What's the news?
We're big fans of the current Mazda MX-5, currently in its fourth iteration since the original debuted way back in 1989. The present model is a highly polished driving machine, but the engine doesn't quite do full justice to the capable chassis. Enter UK tuning house BBR, with what it terms the Super 200 package. BBR has been juicing up Mazdas for years, so it knows a thing or ten about how the MX-5 responds to some choice upgrades. The new package builds on from the existing Super 190 offering, and focuses on improving the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine's breathing in the chase for power.
The end result is 205hp, a 45hp improvement over standard spec. This is achieved thanks to new, spikier cams, upgraded valve springs and retainers (allowing a higher redline) and a custom intake and exhaust manifold. BBR's own StarChip ECU replaces the standard unit, with mapping aimed at improving driveability throughout the rev range as well as peak performance. Peaky it isn't, as torque is also increased. Handily, it also retains all of Mazda's factory failsafes, so those of you who may be on the wary side thanks to the countless stories of dodgy remaps can rest easy. This package is available for £2795 if fitted by BBR themselves at their HQ in Brackley or £2195 if you fancy having a go yourself, so around €3300 and €2600 respectively.
For a few extra coin, you can also specify two different types of stainless steel cat-back exhaust systems, the GT and Supersport, with the latter providing a raspier exhaust note. Both options liberate a few more horses, and for those who want even more power a pukka gasflowed head is available (price on request), pushing output to 225hp. This is a seriously impressive figure for a normally-aspirated 2.0-litre, and is sure to propel the 975kg flyweight along rather nicely...
BBR quotes a 0-100 km/h figure of under six seconds for the Super 200+ (the Super 200 fitted with performance exhaust), and hasn't overlooked the issue of what happens when you actually get to a corner. Koni adjustable shock absorbers teamed with BBR's own progressive springs and a BBR/Eibach anti-roll bar kit are available, so you can pull over at the side of the road and play around with the settings to your heart's content. This comes to £695 (€825) for the shocks and springs and £312.25 (€370) for the anti-roll bar kit, with fitting and laser alignment at BBR available for an extra fee. A lovely Wilwood four-piston front brake caliper upgrade can also be specified which includes uprated pads and stainless steel brake lines, shaving 2.1kg of unsprung weight from either side of the car, costing £595 (€705) DIY or £695 (€825) fitted.
Anything else?
In today's world of continually decreasing engine capacity and forced induction, it's refreshing to see good old-fashioned NA tuning still has a part to play. Not much can beat the throttle response of a rorty naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, and coupled with the MX-5's chassis talents and BBR's choice handling upgrades, the Super 200 is sure to be a riot of a drive. With 12 to 36 month extendable warranties also available, it's certainly a tempting proposition for fourth-gen MX-5 owners. Exact prices for the upgrades vary depending on the level of spec chosen and whether or not BBR's fitting service is availed of, so visit the BBR website for more details.