Tuned Mazda MX-5s revealed

Tuning company BBR has joined forces with Cosworth Engineering for a new Mazda MX-5 upgrade. The package is designed for the third-generation car, and straps a supercharger to its 2-litre engine, taking its power output from 158bhp to 235bhp. The ‘charger is a fourth generation Eaton MP62 unit, and comes mated to a Cosworth-designed cast integral inlet manifold. There’s also a BBR ECU fitted with new mapping. Dyno results are 235bhp @ 7130rpm and 190lb ft @ 5260rpm, results which compare favourably to the standard MX-5 2.0’s 158bhp @ 7000rpm and 139lb ft @ 5000rpm. The MX-5 BBRCosworth system costs £4995 fitted, but there’ll be a DIY option if you fancy getting your hands a bit scruffy. BBR has also announced a turbocharging kit for first and second-generation Mazda MX-5s in 1.6 and 1.8-litre trim. Also costing £4995, it takes the 1.6-engined car’s outputs up to a thoroughly modern 221bhp @ 6900rpm and 175lb ft @ 5100rpm. For £7500, BBR will sell you an upgraded mk1 Mazda MX-5 with the turbo kit, uprated brakes, a limited-slip differential, bigger wheels and a longer final drive for the transmission, to allow for more relaxed cruising. It also gains full leather seats and your choice of paint finish.