When people ask me what classic car they should buy, I often recommend an early MX5. It is a sporty car, good looking, a convertible and easy to live with. You don’t have to be a mechanic or able to track down rare parts in dusty garages. Another benefit is that there is a thriving after market where you can buy anything from stickers to turbo’s.
It is true that it isn’t the fastest roadster about, even my 2 litre daily driver feels more rapid than it actually is. However the car can be tuned in many ways including Turbo’s and Superchargers. It isn’t cheap to get that extra performance but if you want a rapid car disguised as a midlife crisis then this is a fun way to go.
Renowned Mazda tuning specialist BBR has launched two all-new supercharger tuning packages for the 2.0-litre Mazda MX-5 ND models (MY2015-2019,) with up to 250 bhp available.
Using the proven and reliable Rotrex supercharger unit, both BBR’s Stage 1 and Stage 2 packages have been designed to install without intrusive mechanical alterations onto the 1998cc SkyActiv-G engine and the under bonnet appearance remains OEM-like and discrete.
Despite the subtle visuals the BBR supercharger packages’ gains are significant – aside from the 225bhp peak power figure, the Stage One upgrade offers a highly useable 200 lb.ft plus of torque between 3750 rpm and 5750 rpm, making it highly responsive and ideal for fast road use for the performance orientated driver.
Initial performance testing with the Stage One supercharger upgrade indicates a 0-60 mph time shaved from a factory 7.3 seconds to a supercar rivalling 5.3 seconds, enabling the BBR Stage One equipped Mazda MX-5 to scalp for more expensive machinery via its impressive power to weight ratio of 217 bhp per ton.
Stage Two concentrates on improving flow, not boost pressure. Utilising BBR’s fully TIG welded stainless steel 2.5 inch bore high flow exhaust enables further power to be released without additional stress on the SkyActiv-G engine. In addition, an optional Forge Motorsport intercooler upgrade is available to ensure that the inlet charge temperatures remain optimal even in the most demanding conditions. This releases up to 250 bhp at peak, allied to 220lb.ft of torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph sprint in just 5.1 seconds.
BBR has extensive experience of enhancing the Mazda MX-5 and throughout development BBR’s technical team paid attention to both supercharger oil and intake temperature cooling, ensuring that the full performance irrespective of road conditions and ambient temperatures.
“BBR has undertaken many, many months of both in-house dyno and road validation during the development of both the Stage One and Stage Two packages for the ND model of the MX-5,” comments BBR’s Neil Mckay. “This has resulted in a pair of supercharger upgrades that are feature rich with BBR specific components, each designed to enhance performance while retaining ultimate reliability,” he continues. “Opting for the Rotrex supercharger enables BBR’s most straightforward forced induction install to date, meaning that it is well within the capabilities of most DIY mechanics and easy for any professional,” concludes Mckay.
Pricing and Availability:
The BBR Stage One supercharger conversion is available now for all 2.0-litre 2015-2019 MX-5 (ND) models at a cost of £4795* on a fully fitted ‘drive-in, drive-out’ basis from BBR’s Brackley facility. The DIY version, intended for export purposes and competent mechanics, is also available as hardware only for £3895, including comprehensive instructions and technical support, or including BBR software with either EcuTek ProEcu or ECU Connect programming cables stating at £4490.
Stage Two starts at £6495* on a fully fitted ‘drive-in, drive-out’ basis from BBR. The DIY version, intended for export and competent mechanics, is also available as hardware only £5395, including comprehensive instructions and technical support, or including BBR software with either EcuTek ProEcu or ECU Connect programming cables stating at £5990.
CONTACT: BBR GTi Tel: + 44 (0)1280 700700 www.bbrgti.com