BBR turbocharges Mazda MX-5’s 2.0L engine to 248 hp

The UK-based tuner addresses the Miata’s power deficit

The fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 is a great car, but most people who have driven the Japanese roadster believe more power wouldn't hurt.

Not even the 160 hp 2.0-liter version can make the MX-5 swift enough for some drivers, which is why Mazda tuning specialist BBR has come up with a turbocharger upgrade for the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine.

Available for MY 2015 onwards 2.0-liter Mazda MX-5 ND models (including the Retractable Fastback), the "Stage 1" turbocharger upgrade package boosts power and torque figures to 248 hp at 7,150 rpm and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) at 3,250 rpm, resulting in significantly improved performance figures.

Thanks to the power-to-weight ratio of 233 hp per ton, the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint is dispatched in 5.0 seconds (2.3 seconds quicker than the stock car), while top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). BBR says the turbo upgrade can be installed "without intrusive mechanical alterations" onto the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine and is fully reversible.

Drivability stands to gain a lot with the addition of the turbo, with over 200 lb-ft (271 Nm) of torque is available between 2,750 rpm and 6,500 rpm.

The heart of the upgrade is a twin-scroll turbocharger (TSX30-71R) that features a bespoke billet compressor wheel and a lightweight, low inertia turbine packaged in a compact assembly with an internal wastegate. According to BBR, the turbocharger "retains a large boost upgrade margin for later power stages."

The "Stage 1" turbocharger upgrade package is available in the UK for £4,995, including installation at BBR's Brackley headquarters. A DIY version including all hardware and software costs £4,395. Both prices exclude VAT.

For the customers' peace of mind, BBR offers 12- to 36-month extendable warranty packages for the Stage 1 upgrade. The turbo kit is also available in the United States via BBR's exclusive distributor Flyin' Miata.