Mazda MX-5 sharpened with BBR engine and chassis upgrade

UK-based Mazda tuning specialist, BBR, has unveiled a range of engine, suspension and brake upgrade packages for the latest ND versions of the MX-5 roadster.

BBR’s ‘Super 160’ for the 1.5-litre models, as well as ‘Super 175+’ and ‘Super 190’ for the larger 2.0-litre, are said to deliver power gains across the rev range with no loss of driveability.

The entry level upgrades in BBR’s new range, the Super 160 and the Super 175+ both feature in-house developed BBR Starchip ECU software upgrades. Camshaft, ignition timing and fueling are optimised across the entire rev range, while the rev limiter is raised.

With the Super 160 package installed, the 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine gains 22 kW at peak with a maximum of 118 kW available at 7450rpm. This is accompanied with 20 Nm increase in torque to 170 Nm, all of which on tap at just 4700rpm.

Like the Super 160 for the 1.5-litre version, the core of the new Super 175+ is BBR’s exclusive Starchip ECU software, which optimises a number of engine parameters to enable maximum performance whilst retaining the factory Mazda fail safes.

Post conversion, the BBR Super 175+ equipped 2.0-litre MX-5 benefits from an extra 14 kW (to a maximum of 132 kW) on tap at 6800rpm. Torque figure remains unchanged at 200 Nm.

As its name suggests, the BBR Super 190 raises the output of the 2.0-litre engine to 190 hp or 141 kW at 6700rpm, 23 kW more than the standard output. Similarly, torque is raised by 38 Nm to 238 Nm.

Apart from the ECU software upgrade, the Super 190 also includes a cold air intake system, optimised exhaust manifold with 2.5-inch diameter outlet, 2.5” high flow stainless steel TIG welded exhaust centre section with integrated sports catalyst and stainless steel rear silencer with adjustable twin 2.75″ BBR branded tailpipes.

Complementing the power upgrade packages, BBR is also offering lowering sport springs and high performance brake pads suitable for track use.