Mazda MX-5 now with up to 221bhp thanks to BBR’s ‘Super’ Packages

The Mazda MX-5 gets performance and power upgrades from BBR with their new Super 200 and Super 220 packs delivering up to 221bhp.

It’s been said a thousand times before, but the Mazda MX-5 is the closest thing you can get to a modern take on a classic British Sports Car, with low weight, sensible prices and, relatively modest, naturally-aspirated power delivering an appealing combination of fun and freedom.

Endowing the MX-5 with boosted power to make it a performance model would ruin the fundamentals which make the MX-5 so appealing, but tuners BBR have managed to deliver a decent power boost for the MX-5 without wrecking what matters.

The new tuning packages from BBR – the Super 200 and Super 220 – retain the naturally-aspirated Mazda engine but, in the Super 200, increase power to 202bhp by fitting a high-flow stainless steel exhaust manifold, Cold air intake system, K&N high flow air filter and StarChip ECU remap. It costs £1,445 plus VAT if you want BBR to do it, and £1,245 plus VAT if you want to do it yourself.

If you want more power, BBR will oblige with the Super 220 Package which adds high performance camshafts, valve springs and retainers to deliver 221bhp with 160lb/ft of torque on offer from 3500rpm.

If you want BBR to do the work the Super 220 will cost you £2,895 plus VAT, and if you want to do it yourself it’s £2,235 plus VAT.

BBR MD Neil Mckay said:

This is the first time that over 100 bhp per litre has been achievable from a normally aspirated Mazda MX-5 motor without internal modifications. It’s an amazing accomplishment for a predominately standard engine, and additional development has seen BBR achieve more than 110 bhp per litre with the inclusion of our bespoke performance camshafts, which is astonishing for a road-friendly engine that now also produces over 150 lb.ft from just 3000 rpm.

As Mazda improves the stock Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre petrol engine extracting useful power gains from normally aspirated tuning becomes more of a challenge, but that makes the end results even more rewarding.