Automobiles Review

Tag: BBR Mazda MX-5

  • BBR unveils stunning Supercharger kits for Mazda MX-5 ND – up to 250 bhp available

    BBR Mazda MX-5 ND - Front Angle

    The autumn temperatures may be starting to cool, but renowned Mazda tuning specialist BBR is heating things up again for MX-5 owners. That’s because BBR is delighted to launch two all-new supercharger tuning packages for the 2.0-litre Mazda MX-5 ND models (MY2015-2019,) with up to 250 bhp available.

    Using the proven and reliable Rotrex supercharger unit, both BBR’s Stage 1 and Stage 2 packages have been designed to install without intrusive mechanical alterations onto the 1998cc SkyActiv-G engine and the under bonnet appearance remains OEM-like and discrete.

    Despite the subtle visuals the BBR supercharger packages’ gains are significant – aside from the 225bhp peak power figure, the Stage One upgrade offers a highly useable 200 lb.ft plus of torque between 3750 rpm and 5750 rpm, making it highly responsive and ideal for fast road use for the performance orientated driver.

    Initial performance testing with the Stage One supercharger upgrade indicates a 0-60 mph time shaved from a factory 7.3 seconds to a supercar rivalling 5.3 seconds, enabling the BBR Stage One equipped Mazda MX-5 to scalp for more expensive machinery via its impressive power to weight ratio of 217 bhp per ton.

    Stage Two concentrates on improving flow, not boost pressure. Utilising BBR’s fully TIG welded stainless steel 2.5 inch bore high flow exhaust enables further power to be released without additional stress on the SkyActiv-G engine. In addition, an optional Forge Motorsport intercooler upgrade is available to ensure that the inlet charge temperatures remain optimal even in the most demanding conditions. This releases up to 250 bhp at peak, allied to 220lb.ft of torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph sprint in just 5.1 seconds.

    Proven Engineering

    BBR has extensive experience of enhancing the Mazda MX-5 since the late 1980’s and called upon its considerable in-house engineering expertise to develop a forced induction package for the SkyActiv-G engine, a process that began back in 2015 with early development conducted on a Mazda 3 test vehicle.

    Throughout development BBR’s technical team has paid significant attention to both supercharger oil and intake temperature cooling, ensuring that the complete packages deliver full performance as consistently as possible, irrespective of road conditions and ambient temperatures.

    “BBR has undertaken many, many months of both in-house dyno and road validation during the development of both the Stage One and Stage Two packages for the ND model of the MX-5,” comments BBR’s Neil Mckay. “This has resulted in a pair of supercharger upgrades that are feature rich with BBR specific components, each designed to enhance performance while retaining ultimate reliability,” he continues. “Opting for the Rotrex supercharger enables BBR’s most straightforward forced induction install to date, meaning that it is well within the capabilities of most DIY mechanics and easy for any professional,” concludes Mckay.

    BBR Mazda MX-5 ND - Rear Angle

    BBR Stage One Supercharger Package Technical Details:

    • C30-94 Rotrex Supercharger
    • Rotrex Oil reservoir
    • BBR Oil Cooler
    • BBR High Quality Anodised CNC Rotrex brackets
    • BBR High Quailty Anodised CNC Tensioner brackets
    • BBR spec revised ancillary belt and tensioner
    • BBR 250BHP intake restrictor
    • BBR high flow K&N Typhoon induction kit
    • BBR Front mounted intercooler
    • BBR branded Intercooler silicone hoses
    • BBR billet aluminium black anodised MAF mount
    • BBR / Bosch MAP / Temperature sensor
    • BBR Recirculating piston type dump valve in factory black finish
    • BBR lightweight aluminium battery tray in factory black finish inc battery stay & connection extension
    • BBR Starchip EcuTek calibration software
    • Optional hardware only and BBR Software/EcuTek programming cable choices for DIY clients

    BBR Stage Two Supercharger Package Technical Details:

    • BBR 4-1 Stainless steel exhaust manifold
    • BBR high flow 2.5″ Stainless Steel centre section including sports catalyst
    • BBR high flow 2.5″ Stainless Steel Grand Tourer rear silencer – Super Sport option available
    • Optional track spec Forge Motorsport intercooler – an increased core size with higher efficiency keeping inlet temperatures to a minimum under the most testing conditions.

    BBR Mazda MX-5 ND - Engine

    Pricing and Availability:

    The BBR Stage One supercharger conversion is available now for all 2.0-litre 2015-2019 MX-5 (ND) models at a cost of £4795* on a fully fitted ‘drive-in, drive-out’ basis from BBR’s Brackley facility. The DIY version, intended for export purposes and competent mechanics, is also available as hardware only for £3895, including comprehensive instructions and technical support, or including BBR software with either EcuTek ProEcu or ECU Connect programming cables stating at £4490.

    Stage Two starts at £6495* on a fully fitted ‘drive-in, drive-out’ basis from BBR. The DIY version, intended for export and competent mechanics, is also available as hardware only £5395, including comprehensive instructions and technical support, or including BBR software with either EcuTek ProEcu or ECU Connect programming cables stating at £5990.

    Both BBR supercharger conversion packages carry a 12-month warranty.

    *Standard vehicles will require an EcuTek tuning licence

  • BBR Releases Tuning Program for the Latest Mazda MX-5

    BBR Mazda MX-5 Super 190 Front ViewBBR is one of the most famous tuning brands that excel in modifying Mazda vehicles. Now, it launches its first and much anticipated engine, suspension and brake upgrades for the latest ND versions of the MX-5. Thus the new Mazda SkyActiv engine will receive BBR’s ‘Super 160’ for the 1.5-litre models, as well as ‘Super 175+’ and ‘Super 190’ for the larger 2.0-litre. In this way they will deliver astonishing power gains across the rev range and three will be no loss of driveability.

    BBR Super 160

    To start with the optimization for the 1.5-litre ND model, it gives the stock output an addition of 21bhp and 15lb.ft. Just like the next upgrade, the Super 175+, the Super 160 also features exclusive, in-house developed BBR Starchip ECU software modification. As a result the MX-5 achieves 158bhp (116 kW) available at 7450rpm.

    SEE ALSO: BBR upgrades the 2005-2014 Mazda MX-5 with “Super 200” package 

    BBR Super 175+

    This one adds 17bhp and 10 lb.ft to the stock output of the 2.0-litre unit of the Mazda MX-5 ND. Therefore the car benefits from an extra 17bhp (to a maximum of 177 bhp=130 kW) with an additional 17 bhp on tap at 6800rpm.

    BBR Super 190

    BBR Mazda MX-5 Super 190 Graph

    BBR Super 190 adds 30bhp and 24lb.ft and has been designed for complete forward compatibility with further BBR engine upgrades that will be launched in 2016. Here the key components include cold air intake system, exhaust manifold with 2.5-inch diameter outlet, 2.5” high flow stainless steel TIG welded exhaust centre section with integrated sports catalyst and Grand Tourer stainless steel rear silencer with adjustable twin tailpipes. As the name suggest, thanks to the BBR Super 190, the car produces the stunning 190bhp (140 kW) at 6700rpm.

    The Additional Equipment

    But the BBR Super 190 also features additional equipment including lightweight BBR sports silencer and stainless steel 4-1 manifold. Here is also included the BBR high performance dynamic springs, the in-house made MX-5 ND braking upgrades and the special performance wheel and tire packages.

    2015 BBR Mazda MX-5 Super 190
    2015 BBR Mazda MX-5 Super 190
    2015 BBR Mazda MX-5 Super 190
    2015 BBR Mazda MX-5 Super 190

    Source: BBR 

  • BBR Mazda MX-5 Mk3 Supercharger Conversion

    BBR-Mazda-MX-5-THUMBBBR Cosworth Mazda MX-5 Mk3 Supercharger is equipped with additional engine power than the base model. In fact, BBR now offers two distinct stages of supercharger upgrades with power outputs up to a sensational 258 hp (190 kW).

    In this particular tuning, BBR uses extensively modified Cosworth developed hardware as the basis for the conversions. In addition the British company has revised the crucial engine management side of the MX-5. In details, they have replaced the ‘piggy back’ Interceptor unit with a Starchip developed remap.

    The latter optimizes the Mazda’s OEM ECU to the engine parameters needed for forced induction. Another benefit is that this allows further optimization with PROECU software/hardware bundle for DIY OBDII port ECU programming and data logging.

    BBR-Cosworth Stage One Mk3 / Mk 3.5 1.8 SE and 2.0i MX-5 Supercharger Conversion Specifications:

    • Cosworth designed Inlet manifold housing and hardware extensively modified by BBR for optimum efficiency and reliability.
    • Eaton 4th generation MP62 Supercharger
    • Intercooler (Air to water)
    • High flow calibrated injectors
    • High flow replacement air box
    • Competition high-grade hoses and fixings throughout
    • BBR StarChip ECU remap (DIY conversions supplied with ProECu hardware for installation)
    • BBR Cosworth identification badges
    • BBR hardware and full DIY instructions

    BBR-Cosworth Stage One 1.8 SE / 2.0i MX-5 Supercharger Conversion engine performance

    Mazda MX-5 2.0i MK3 235 BHP / 190 Ib.ft (+77 bhp / +51 lb.ft compared to standard output)
    Mazda MX-5 2.0i MK3.5 241*BHP / 190 Ib.ft (+83 bhp / +51 lb.ft compared to standard output)
    Mazda MX-5 1.8SE MK3 / MK3.5 217 BHP / 176 Ib.ft  (+93 bhp) / +53 lb.ft compared to standard output)

    Basically, the huge hike in mid-range torque, instant response from the supercharger and progressive power delivery mean that a BBR-Cosworth supercharged MX-5 1.8SE or 2.0i offers matchless in-gear acceleration and drivability.

    But this is not all of the upgrade that BBR offer. We all know that performance enthusiasts always seek the ultimate upgrade, there is a new BBR-Cosworth Stage Two MX-5 Supercharger conversion.

    The stage two offers unmatched peak figures of up to 258 hp (190 kW) and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque, even sharper throttle response and a subtle yet, sporting soundtrack. This conversion is of course perfect for fast road or track day use. It adds on the ‘Stage One’ upgrades proven BBR components which enhance exhaust and intake flow to maximize performance.

    BBR-Cosworth Stage Two Mk3 / 3.5 1.8 SE and 2.0i MX-5 Supercharger Conversion Specifications:

    • BBR stainless steel 4 into 1 exhaust manifold
    • BBR 2.5 “stainless steel exhaust centre section with metallic sports cat and centre silencer
    • BBR stainless steel rear silencer with adjustable 3.5”BBR branded tailpipes
    • High flow BBR performance air filter
    • BBR StarChip ECU remapping to suit Stage Two mechanical specification

    The eventual outcome is a top quality BBR branded exhaust which manages to produce a pleasant note that’s subtle, sporting and allows MX-5 owners to tackle long distance motorway driving in confidence.

    BBR-Cosworth Stage Two 1.8 SE / 2.0i MX-5 Supercharger Conversion engine performance

    Mazda MX-5 2.0i MK3 252 BHP / 208 Ib.ft (+94 bhp / +69 lb.ft compared to standard output)
    Mazda MX-5 2.0i MK3.5 258*BHP / 208 Ib.ft (+100 bhp / +69 lb.ft compared to standard output)
    Mazda MX-5 1.8SE MK3 / MK3.5 231 BHP / 190 Ib.ft (+107 bhp) / +67 lb.ft compared to standard output)

    Source: BBR

  • BBR Mazda MX-5 Super 180 Receives Engine Tuning Package

    BBR-Mazda-MX-5-Super-180-THUMBBBR Mazda MX-5 Super 180 is the latest enhancement done by the Mazda performance tuner BBR. The package named “Super 180” delivers extra response, power, driveability and excitement and generates substantial performance increase.

    In details the BBR “Super 180” upgrade consists of the following components: BBR stainless steel 4 into 1 exhaust manifold, BBR 2.5 inch stainless steel exhaust centre section with high flow metallic sports cat and centre silencer, BBR stainless steel rear silencer with adjustable 3.5 inchBBR branded tailpipes, High flow BBR performance panel air filter in standard Mazda airbox, BBR StarChip ECU remap.

    The standard 158 hp (117 kW) 2.0i Mazda MX-5 when equipped with the upgrade gains additionally 22 hp (17 kW). This means that it takes a peak power to a maximum of 180 hp (134 kW) at 6800 rpm.

    This engine conversion produces power gains throughout the rev range, without detracting from the user-friendly nature of the car. Extensive dyno testing has proven that power gains begin from just 1750 rpm and build progressively up to the 7500 rpm rev limiter.

    This package also extracts more torque from the MX-5’s 16-valve powerplant. This actually gives incredible and superior driveability and throttle response. The tuned car produces an impressive 27 Nm (20 lb-ft) more than the original, with peak torque of 159lb-ft arriving at just 4250 rpm.

    The stainless steel exhaust system in addition is developed in such way that it reduces back pressure to a minimum without the negative “droning”. Moreover, the clever design of the tailpipes allows them to accommodate different bumper options or aftermarket bodykits.

    Another optimization here is that now the car is even more efficient. Here BBR has deactivated the standard exhaust gas recycling system with the aim to reduce engine inlet temperatures, purify the intake charge and further improve fuel efficiency.

    Source: BBR