BBR Turbocharges Mazda MX-5 to 268HP in the UK, Does 0-60 MPH in 4.9 Sec

Despite the huge popularity of the Mazda MX-5 all around the world, somehow its factory-fitted engines never supplied enough power to make it worthy of the sports car label. Luckily, aftermarket specialists saw an opportunity and developed power upgrades for the MX-5.

One of the most important tuners is UK-based Brodie Brittain Racing (BBR), the creator of the original turbocharged Mazda MX-5 from 1990, which has just launched the most powerful power upgrade for the popular roadster.

The GT270 package gives the Mazda MX-5 268hp (270PS) and 227 lb-ft (307 Nm) of torque, thanks to the fitting of a Garrett GT25 turbocharger, exhaust manifold and intercooler, as well as advanced electronic upgrades.

Based on the standard 2.0-liter Sport Tech Roadster Coupe, the GT270 brings not only 108 more horsepower and 88 lb-ft (119 Nm) more torque, but optional chassis enhancements as well. BBR promises a “dramatic” improvement in terms of dynamics over the base model and the specs seem to support their statement.

The MX-5 GT270 sprints from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h). For comparison, the base 2.0-liter Sport Tech Roadster Coupe accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.9 seconds and tops at 136 mph (219 km/h).

The car also features specially developed switchable ECU functions, including launch control, full throttle shift and auto throttle blip on down-change. Furthermore, in order to handle the significant torque increase, the car was fitted with an uprated Exedy clutch with a higher clamping pressure.

On the outside, the car looks just like the standard 2.0-liter Sport Tech Roadster Coupe it’s based on, except discreet “BBR Turbo” badging and BBR branded exhaust tailpipe trims. BBR will only build 100 units, each priced at £29,995 (US$48,500 / €35,800) on the road.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Bangled Up Mazda MX-5 Pretending to be BMW Z9 Concept Completed

Ah, what memories this Mazda MX-5 / Miata-based BMW Z9 Concept replica brings back; no, no, I'm not talking about the actual car, but about the time that passed since we first posted about the project in 2007.

More than six years later, and its owner sent us an email to inform us that the project has been completed and the car re-listed for sale on eBay.

If cars had a soul, (they don't, no matter what Alfa Romeo fan boys and marketers tell you) and could speak, we wonder what secret desires this Mazda would reveal… However, since the car itself can't tell us anything, we'll share the story from its creator who introduced himself to us as 'Duy':

"Here is a little back story to this project.  Back in 2000, I saw a Z9 Cabriolet concept car that was not going to make it to production.  I liked it so much that I had to make one for myself," he said.

"I purchased a 1994 Miata in 2002 while I was living in Arizona.  Started the project and didn't finish it until I moved to Florida.  I drove the car from Arizona to Florida in 2004 with no issues. It has been an ongoing project and I changed some details that I felt would look better than what was on the original design. The exterior of the car was completed in 2008 and I was planning to swap the complete motor, brembo brakes and AWD system from a 2003 Mitsubishi EVOLUTION that I acquired.  The engine swap was a big project and I never had a chance to start the project. The reason for selling is because I rarely get a chance to drive the vehicle because there are no rear seats for the kids".

Last we checked on the eBay listing, there were 32 bids, the highest standing at $3,050.

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