Despite the huge popularity of the Mazda MX-5 all around the world, somehow its factory-fitted engines never supplied enough power to make it worthy of the sports car label. Luckily, aftermarket specialists saw an opportunity and developed power upgrades for the MX-5.
One of the most important tuners is UK-based Brodie Brittain Racing (BBR), the creator of the original turbocharged Mazda MX-5 from 1990, which has just launched the most powerful power upgrade for the popular roadster.
The GT270 package gives the Mazda MX-5 268hp (270PS) and 227 lb-ft (307 Nm) of torque, thanks to the fitting of a Garrett GT25 turbocharger, exhaust manifold and intercooler, as well as advanced electronic upgrades.
Based on the standard 2.0-liter Sport Tech Roadster Coupe, the GT270 brings not only 108 more horsepower and 88 lb-ft (119 Nm) more torque, but optional chassis enhancements as well. BBR promises a “dramatic” improvement in terms of dynamics over the base model and the specs seem to support their statement.
The MX-5 GT270 sprints from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h). For comparison, the base 2.0-liter Sport Tech Roadster Coupe accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.9 seconds and tops at 136 mph (219 km/h).
The car also features specially developed switchable ECU functions, including launch control, full throttle shift and auto throttle blip on down-change. Furthermore, in order to handle the significant torque increase, the car was fitted with an uprated Exedy clutch with a higher clamping pressure.
On the outside, the car looks just like the standard 2.0-liter Sport Tech Roadster Coupe it’s based on, except discreet “BBR Turbo” badging and BBR branded exhaust tailpipe trims. BBR will only build 100 units, each priced at £29,995 (US$48,500 / €35,800) on the road.
By Dan Mihalascu
