The Mazda MX-5 has always been a true driver’s cars. Although it does have a small hairdressers’ community on its fan’s list, real driving enthusiasts have always praised the great chassis. If the car had any drawbacks from a driver’s perspective though, it would be the engine; it just doesn’t provide that grin-inducing power.
In standard form, the Mazda MX-5 comes with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine that develops 118kW of power and 188Nm of torque. Those in need of more oomph can now be pleased BBR – a British MX-5 tuning specialist – and Cosworth Engineering – international motorsport engineers that have developed engines for almost every form of car racing, including F1 – have come up with the perfect tuning package, offering loads of upgrades.
Chief among which is an Eaton MP62 supercharger. This supports the MX-5′s breathing capabilities and improves response and outright power. Another feature adding extra power is a Cosworth-developed inlet manifold allowing for even more breathing of the four-cylinder engine. Along with an intercooler, higher flowing air intake cleaner, high flow injectors and a BBR piggybacked engine computer, power is up to 175kW and torque is up to 258Nm.
BBR-Cosworth recently said the upgrades are well matched to the original dynamics of the car. They said,
“Crucially the progressive nature of the power delivery means that the delicate dynamic balance of the MX-5 isn’t upset, yet naturally with a power gain of 57kW and a torque increase of 70Nm performance is transformed for the better.”
The package is available for £4995 (around $8131). Not bad, considering the chassis could’ve always done with more engine performance ever since the car went on sale. Great work.
