Brodie Britain Racing, or BBR as it is commonly known, is a UK-based tuning company that specializes on Mazda models. Some of you may recall the 150HP turbocharged Mk1 (NA) MX-5/Miata, among them a special edition launched in celebration of the 787B winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991.

More than two decades after the last rotary win in La Sarthe, the MX-5 is currently in its third generation (NC) and BBR is still producing tuning packages for the world’s best-selling two-seater car in history.

BBR has now announced a new, normally aspirated package for the third generation MX-5, which was produced from 2005 onwards.

Named the “Super 180”, the tuning package includes a stainless steel 4 into 1 exhaust manifold, a 2.5-inch stainless steel exhaust center section with high-flow metallic sports catalytic converter and center silencer, a stainless steel rear silencer with adjustable 3.5-inch BBR-branded tailpipes, a high-flow performance panel air filter that fits in the standard airbox and a Starchip ECU remap.

All of the above are made by BBR and when fitted to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, raise output by 22bhp compared to the standard 158bhp engine, to 179.8bhp at 6,800 rpm. Maximum torque increases by 27 Nm (20 lb-ft) to 215 Nm (159 lb-ft) at 4,250 rpm, 750 rpm lower than the factory engine.

BBR claims dyno testing has proven power gains start from just 1,750 rpm and don’t come at the expense of noise, since the tuning company’s bespoke exhaust system reduces back pressure without the “droning” that comes with many aftermarket systems.

However, those who don’t mind the additional noise and want a “marginal” improvement in horsepower and torque can opt for the Supersport version of the BBR silencer.

The “Super 180” performance package is priced at £1,995 (US$3,221) when fitted at BBR, while the DIY version saves you £100 (US$161) and includes a ProECU hardware/software bundle that can be remotely uploaded for export customers.

Opting for the Supersport silencer reduces the price to £1,895 (US$3,061) for a factory installation and £1,795 (US$2,899) for the DIY kit.

BBR also offers the “Super 180” package for the 1.8-liter MX-5, which the company says, “produces similar gains”, though no specs are available at the time.

By Andrew Tsaousis

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