You might have heard of BBR already having a number of tuning programs available for the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Yep, those kits were introduced only nine months ago when the British tuner unveiled the Super 160, Super 175, and Super 190 kits for the Japanese roadster. Now, BBR is unveiling the next level upgrade to the ones it has already shown in the form of the Super 200 and Super 200+ programs that bring out as much as 214 horsepower and 183 pound-feet of torque from the MX-5’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

Whichever program you choose, you can be assured that your MX-5 Miata will carry more than 200 horsepower with it. Sure, it’s not as ridiculous as the Flyin’ Miata upgrade and its 525-horsepower output. But that tuner arrived at that power because of an engine transplant that gave the MX-5 a 6.2-liter LS3 V-8. BBR didn’t go to those lengths and yet, it’s own kit is just as meaningful for those who prefer to keep their MX-5’s true to its character.

Apart from the engine upgrades, BBR also worked on chassis, suspension, and brake upgrades for the Mazda roadster with the intention of making a balanced tuning program for the MX-5. The result is as what you’d expect for one of the most fun cars to drive on the road. The added power gives it an extra kick and the complementing suspension upgrades ensure that it still handles like a charm.

Continue after the jump to read the full review.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Super 200+ by BBR

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Super 200+ by BBR
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Drivetrain

The absence of any exterior and interior upgrades may come as a downer for some, but BBR’s engine programs for the MX-5 Miata have proven to be as good as advertised. First up here is the Super 200 program, which includes a handful of handy modifications that was not only able to increase the roadster’s power, but also tap into rev ranges that the standard unit just wouldn’t go to.

On the hardware side, BBR’s program includes a new billet steel intake and exhaust camshafts that come with improved valve springs and retainers. A specially developed cold air intake system and a bespoke stainless steel exhaust manifold are also included in the program, the latter of which provides a gnarlier exhaust note that you normally wouldn’t expect to come out of the MX-5. On the software side, the highlight of BBR’s tuning package is its StarChip ECU package that comes with improved fuel, ignition, and cam timing calibration. This upgrade is primarily responsible for helping the MX-5 achieve an output of 205 horsepower at 6,950 rpm and 179 pound-feet of torque at 4,950 rpm. The result not only allows the Miata to achieve higher revs, but also helps it attain a 0-to-60-mph sprint time of just 5.65 seconds, close to two seconds quicker than the standard version.

Then there’s the Super 200+ program, which, judging by the ‘+’ on the end of its name, adds an extra amount of power to the ND variant of the sports car. BBR was able to attain the extra juice by adding a 2.5-inch diameter high performance TIG welded stainless steel exhaust center section, bringing the total output to 214 horsepower and 183 pound-feet of torque. For this package, BBR is also offering a choice of two silencer options: a subtler GT option that releases a more refined exhaust note or a Supersport option wherein noise comes at a premium.

Last but not least is what can be described as an upgrade that’s not on the menu. For an extra price, BBR can also install a gasflowed cylinder head that can bring the car’s total output to 225 horsepower.

Chassis and Suspension

Just like with its past programs for the MX-5 Miata, BBR also paid careful attention to improving the sports car’s handling capabilities. As such, the tuner is also offering a Sports Suspension package that includes Koni adjustable dampers that complements the accompanying lowering springs to create a better handling sports car that can also maximise its added power credentials.

On that specific note, BBR also sought help from suspension specialist Eibach to create a two-way adjustable front and rear anti-roll bar kit that helps improve the car’s handling precision and cornering grip, two qualities that are as important as anything to maximize the driving potential of the MX-5 Miata.

Last but certainly not least are the upgrades given to the sports car’s brakes, which consists of a Willwood four piston alloy caliper upgrade that not only improves the car’s stopping power, but also enhances the MX-5’s handling response and overall power-to-weight ratio.

Pricing

Depending on the upgrades you get, the price for the BBM program can vary so feel free to check out the individual prices in the table below.

Item

Euro (€)

USD ($)

Super 200 Engine Upgrade

€2,795

$3,144

Super 200 Engine Upgrade (DIY Version)

€2,195

$2,470

TIG Welded Stainless Steel Exhaust Center Section (Super 200+)

€495

$557

Stainless Steel 2.5-Inch Silencers

€395

$444

Sport Suspension Package

€995

$1,120

Sport Suspension Package (DIY Version)

€695

$782

Eibach Adjustable Anti-Roll Bar Kit

€312.25

$351

Brake Upgrade Kit

€695

$782

Brake Upgrade Kit (DIY Version)

€595

$670


Note: All prices come exclusive of VAT

Competition

The Mazda MX-5 Miata “Indy” V-8 by Flyin’ Miata

In lieu of a traditional competition section, we’re going to showcase what the Mazda MX-5 Miata is capable of if you put in the hands of a tuner that really shoots for the stars. This is the aforementioned program developed by Flyin’ Miata that includes, among other things, an engine swap to a 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 engine that spits out an incredible 525 horsepower. The engine transplant got the headlines for obvious reasons, but it wasn’t the only upgrade that helped the Miata attain this kind of power and performance.

A lot of work was put into this dramatic modification, but in the end, the roadster also received a six-speed T56 Tremec manual gearbox, a Camaro SS-sourced differential, a custom Corvette-styled exhaust, and other goodies that include a carbon fiber driveshaft, meatier brakes, a roll bar, and an aluminum oil pan. All of these upgrades add up to a cost of $49,995, and that doesn’t even include the donor car. Then again, there’s a premium that comes with getting modifications that are insane as this one.

Read our full review on the Mazda MX-5 Miata “Indy” V-8 by Flyin’ Miata here.

Conclusion

If you thought BBR’s past programs for the Mazda MX-5 Miata already presented massive upgrades in power and performance, these new upgrades make for an better driving experience for MX-5 enthusiasts. In a lot of ways, a Miata that packs more than 200 horsepower is the kind of Miata that purists would have wanted to get straight from Mazda. But now it’s possible thanks to the British tuner and the price of getting one is such that nobody’s going to burn through any pocket to get them. The only downside is availability in the U.S., but those DIY options help a lot in making up for that.