Already critically acclaimed by the likes of Evo, Pistonheads, Autocar and Japanese Performance, Brodie Brittain Racings (BBR)’s limited edition turbocharged 268bhp GT270 MX-5 has proven that the world’s most popular sportscar can deliver true performance potential when subjected to expertly developed engine enhancements.
“Proper ballsy power delivery, plenty of torque… surprisingly aggressive and fast little car. There is no question that you can have an absolute blast in this thing! BBR’s MX-5 is fabulous,” Richard Meaden, Evo.
Now, due to overwhelming demand, BBR, the planet’s leading Mazda tuner, is launching two versions of the GT270’s turbocharger upgrade, designed for straightforward retrofit or DIY installation for all Mk3/3.5/3.75 MX-5 1.8 / 2.0-litre 2005-2015 (NC) models.
Commenting on the announcement, BBR Director Neil Mckay stated “The GT270 project has been very positively received from both the media and general public alike and we’ve responded to demand from existing MX-5 owners seeking similar levels of performance with the release of two upgrades.”
BBR is offering two levels of comprehensive turbocharger package for NC models of the MX-5, both of which utilise the same core components as the GT270 engine upgrade and feature the same ‘factory style’ underbonnet appearance. “BBR’s objective with these upgrade kits is to deliver a balance of outstanding performance and reliability in a cohesive, robust, easy to install conversion,” Mckay continues.
Starting with a blank sheet of paper BBR’s design brief was to produce the very best turbocharged conversion possible with a factory ‘OEM’ look. Therefore the battery, standard air box (along with its effective intake), coolant expansion bottle and other ancillaries are retained in their original place, despite the addition of lightweight aluminium high flow intercooler pipework along with an efficient front mounted intercooler. Careful design and a unique turbocharger layout means that installation of the BBR Mazda MX-5 MK3/3.5/3.75 conversion requires no drilling or cutting of any bodywork, even front bumper removal isn’t required during the installation. The BBR conversion is also fully reversible, so if in future the owner wishes to revert the car to standard format, this is an easy and straightforward process.
BBR Stage One Mazda MX-5 (2005-2014) turbo upgrade
The Stage One BBR turbocharged Mazda MX-5 power gains are impressive, producing up to a healthy 262 bhp @ 7350 rpm and 225 lb.ft @ 4350 rpm for 2.0-litre MX-5 (NC) models, running a maximum conservative 0.45 bar (7 psi) of boost. Even when running at these very low boost pressures this equates to an incredible 100 bhp / 85 lb.ft increase compared to the standard 2.0-litre NC model, as shown from the attached dyno graphs. (On 1.8-litre engined MX-5 models the equivalent figure is 231 bhp and 208 lb.ft, a remarkable increase over the original car’s output.)
Performance is marginally less than the BBR GT270 in deference of the standard Mazda clutch, which is the limiting factor on the amount of torque the conversion can generate. However a 2.0-litre BBR Stage One turbocharged MX-5 will still clock an impressive 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds, allied to an electronically limited 150mph top speed, endowing the handsome roadster with genuine supercar pace.
The Stage one BBR Mazda MX-5 MK3/3.5/3.75 turbocharger conversion uses the original manifold back exhaust system and air filter, enabling discrete, quiet performance. Due to the natural silencing effect of the turbocharger exhaust noise is lower than stock, making the Stage One BBR turbo MX-5 a civilised and potent device. For customers seeking a more distinctive, supercar style exhaust note, BBR’s Supersport silencer package can be installed.
The full technical specification of the BBR Stage One turbo upgrade for 2005-2014 MX-5 models includes:-
- Bespoke BBR Garrett GT series ball bearing turbocharger (360 bhp plus capability) – optional polished compressor cover available
- BBR GT25 stainless steel turbo manifold (tubular option available)
- BBR stainless steel downpipe (optional BBR stainless steel performance exhaust available)
- BBR Hi-flow lightweight front mounted aluminium intercooler with factory look black intake pipes (polished and custom colour options available)
- BBR high flow custom silicone turbo pipes in factory look black finish with stainless steel hose clamps with unique black coating (custom colour options available)
- BBR lightweight aluminium battery tray in factory black finish (custom colour options available)
- BBR Recirculating piston type dump valve in factory black finish
- BBR / Bosch MAP / Temperature sensor
- BBR / Bosch high flow fuel injectors
- BBR carbon fibre turbocharger heat shield
- BBR high flow airbox (carbon fibre option available)
- BBR stainless steel / Teflon oil and water lines
- BBR Starchip EcuTek calibration software with driver switchable modes
The BBR Stage One turbo upgrade package is available now for all 1.8 and 2.0-litre 2005-2014 on MX-5 (NC) variants on a fully fitted ‘drive-in, drive-out’ basis from BBR’s Brackley premises as well as select BBR approved Mazda dealerships and MX-5 specialists, priced at £4995.00. A ‘DIY’ version, intended for export markets and competent mechanics, is also available from just £4395.00, comprehensive instructions and technical support are supplied. The BBR Stage One turbo upgrade carries a 12 month warranty.
BBR Stage Two Mazda MX-5 (2005-2014) turbo upgrade
However, there are a select band of MX-5 enthusiasts who demand even more performance, which explains why BBR is also offering a ‘Stage Two’ turbo upgrade package. “During our 2013 development program it became obvious that there was significantly more potential from the Stage One turbo upgrade that could be unleashed if the standard Mazda drivetrain was uprated to cope,” explains BBR’s Neil Mckay. “Hence with the addition of an uprated clutch assembly allied to some tried and tested performance hardware, crossing the magic 300bhp barrier was relatively straightforward, which exactly what we can now offer customers with the Stage Two turbo package.”
Dyno testing has shown that the BBR Stage Two MX-5 turbo package produces a stunning 302 bhp @ 7350 rpm, with a mighty 254 lb.ft of torque available @ 4950 rpm. These power figures are achieved whilst still running very low and safe boost pressures of 0.65 bar (9-10 psi) of boost. In a car weighing around 1100 kilos BBR’s Stage Two turbo upgrade catapults the MX-5 firmly into supercar territory, although no road performance figures have yet been obtained. Also available for 1.8-litre models, the corresponding performance figures are 264 bhp and 232 lb.ft of torque, endowing even the smaller engined MX-5 with fearsome pace.
The Stage Two BBR MX-5 (NC) turbo upgrade includes all the parts listed in Phase One, with the addition of:-
- K&N Air Filter
- NGK Iridium Spark Plugs
- BBR / Exedy uprated clutch
- BBR turbo downpipe back stainless steel performance exhaust
As with the Stage One upgrade no bodywork alterations are required and the conversion is fully reversible. The BBR Stage Two turbo upgrade package is available now for all manual transmission 1.8 and 2.0-litre 2005-2014 on MX-5 (NC) models on a fully fitted ‘drive-in, drive-out’ basis from BBR’s Brackley premises and selected BBR approved Mazda dealerships and MX-5 specialists, priced at £6695.00. A ‘DIY’ version, intended for export markets and competent mechanics, is also available from just £5795.00, comprehensive instructions and technical support are supplied. The BBR Stage Two turbo upgrade carries a 12 month warranty.
BBR Turbo MX-5 Buyback offer
Owners of BBR upgraded MX-5’s can also enjoy a unique ‘BBR buy back’ offer, because the firm will offer the full current trade price for any 2005-2014 Mazda MX-5, plus 50% of the price of the BBR turbocharger upgrade, as long as the rest of the car is in standard or further BBR modified specification.
Commenting on the initiative, BBR’s Neil Mckay said “BBR’s confidence in the longevity, reliability and residuals on BBR upgraded Mazda’s is reflected in this buy back offer, which we know will be warmly received by the MX-5 community.”
Note: All quoted prices exclude VAT.
CONTACT: BBR GTi Tel: + 44 (0) 1280 700700
Notes to editors:-
In 1990/1991 BBR developed and produced the world’s best selling MX-5 turbo conversion for Mazda UK. Since then BBR has concentrated on road based conversions, with a 365 bhp Lotus Elise, a 312 bhp BMW Cooper S and a 1000 bhp Aston Martin. Recent developments have seen BBR revisit the Mazda marque. Following the hugely successful release of the 20th anniversary turbocharger conversions for MX-5 MK1 and Mk2 models and the popular BBR-Cosworth supercharged conversion for MK3/3.5 variants, BBR now offers a series of stunning performance upgrades for the Mazda range of cars including the 3 and 6 MPS.