BBR 350 bhp Mazda 3 MPS

Northamptonshire-based tuning firm BBR has launched a programme of upgrades for the Mazda 3 MPS that boosts power by up to 100 bhp.



The Mazda seems to get overlooked as a mid-size hot hatchback, yet even in standard form its price tag of £23,185 and a 256 bhp (191 kW / 260 PS) 2.3 litre turbocharged engine make it a viable alternative to more high profile rivals, such as the Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 or Volkswagen Golf GTI.

That anonymity might be an advantage though, especially for anyone who wants the benefits of the BBR conversion without attracting the wrong sort of attention.



Phase One simply consists of an ECU remap, using BBR’s StarChip software. Power is raised to 290 bhp (216 kW / 294 PS), while torque increases from the standard 380 Nm (280 lb/ft) to 447 Nm (330 lb/ft). It’s also claimed that the throttle and turbo responses are more linear, plus fuel economy is reckoned to improve at cruising speeds.



The price, excluding VAT, is £549. Coming in December is a DIY option featuring programmable engine maps that allow the car’s owner to switch between track day, high economy and valet modes.

Phase Two lifts the Mazda’s outputs to 318 bhp (237 kW / 322 PS) and an impressive 501 Nm (370 lb/ft) of peak torque. It too utilises the StarChip ECU, plus some mechanical changes.



These comprise a modified fuel pump, replacement high-flow turbo inlet hoses, a performance air filter, a new 3” stainless steel exhaust downpipe and a sports catalytic converter.



The cost is £1,645 excluding VAT, plus £395 for installation. Also available is a full stainless steel exhaust system for an extra £495.

If those Phase Two results still aren’t good enough, then BBR will carry on and tweak the turbocharger.



Option one involves overhauling the turbocharger and replacing the intercooler, leading to power figures of up to 350 bhp (260 kW / 354 PS). Alternatively, option two ditches the standard turbo in favour of a Garret GT28 unit which, with further alterations to the engine, could unleash 400 bhp (298 kW / 405 PS). Because both turbo conversions are done on a bespoke basis, prices vary.



Given that even the Phase One upgrade is potentially a lot for the Mazda 3’s front-wheel drive chassis to cope with, BBR is sensibly offering suspension packages too.



The Performance Spring Set is £165, while a set of BBR-spec Koni dampers is £795. Fitting for both costs £300, including a geometry set-up.



Related post:
BBR gives MX-5 235 bhp

Mazda RX-8 Spirit R

Production of the rotary-engine Mazda RX-8 will finally come to an end in summer 2012 and, to mark its demise, the Spirit R special edition model has been created.

Sales, which begin in November 2011, will be limited to Japan only as emissions regulations or the rising value of the Yen have already caused the RX-8 to be discontinued in many markets. Mazda is hoping to shift 1,000 examples of the Spirit R.



Specification includes red brake calipers, piano black trim for the transmission tunnel, the usually-optional curtain and front side airbags and a choice of Aluminum Metallic, Sparkling Black Mica or Crystal White Pearl Mica paintwork.

The six-speed manual version, based on the Type RS, also gets Recaro front seats and 19” bronze alloy wheels shod with 225/40R19 89W tyres.



Alternatively, the Spirit R will also be available with a six-speed automatic transmission. Based on the Type E, additional equipment for this variant includes larger brakes, sports suspension, leather upholstery and a leather-covered steering wheel (both in black with red stitching), and gun metallic alloy wheels with 225/45R18 91W tyres.



The end of the RX-8 does not mean the end of the rotary engine, though. Mazda has said it is committed to its ongoing development, with presumably much of that effort being focussed on improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions.



Related post:
The end of the RX-8

Mazda CX-5 revealed

Ahead of a world premiere at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Mazda has released the first details of its CX-5 compact crossover.



The new arrival is significant for two reasons: It’s the first Mazda to fully incorporate the firm’s ‘Skyactiv Technology’ efficiency package, and the CX-5 also marks the debut of the ‘Kodo - Soul of Motion’ design language.

With ‘a bolder family face and dynamic styling that conveys a strong sense of vitality and agility’, the fresh styling theme appears to work well, especially from the front. On looks alone, the CX-5 should provide some stiff competition for rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage.



Technical information is sparse for now, but Mazda is saying that European-spec models will get a Skyactiv-G 2.0 litre petrol engine, plus a Skyactiv-D 2.2 diesel. The latter will be available in two power outputs, and it’s expected to have CO2 emissions of less than 120 g/km.



The Mazda CX-5 is due to go on sale in early 2012.

Mazda BT-50 Freestyle

Mazda has unveiled the Freestyle cab for its all-new 2012 BT-50 pick-up.



In a configuration that mimics the Mazda RX-8 coupé, the rear doors open backwards to reveal a 1,408 mm pillarless opening and four seats. For extra practicality, the backseat cushions can be removed to allow for cargo storage inside the cab.

Naturally though most potential buyers will be interested in the 1,453 litres of external load space, which is 239 litres up on the BT-50 Dual Cab thanks to the Freestyle’s longer cargo box.



The Mazda BT-50, which shares its underpinnings with the new Ford Ranger, is due to go on sale later this year. Public debut for the BT-50 Freestyle will be at the Australian International Motor Show, which takes place in Melbourne from the 1st to the 10th of July.



Related post:

2011 Ford Ranger revealed

Mazda MX-5 Kendo

Mazda has now built over 900,000 examples of its MX-5 / Miata / Eunos Roadster.



Sometimes it feels like a large proportion of those have been special editions, so there are no prizes for guessing how Mazda has decided to mark that production milestone. Yes, it has cobbled together yet another special edition.



This one is called the ‘Kendo Special Edition’, named after the modern Japanese martial art. On sale in the UK from the beginning of March, buyers will be able to choose from either the £19,255 MX-5 1.8i Kendo soft-top or the £22,320 Mazda MX-5 2.0i Kendo roadster coupe.

The formula used is tried and tested: Paint the car a different colour, stick some fancy trim on the seats, add a few options.



In the case of the Kendo - which is based on the current SE models - this means Sparkling Black or Dolphin Grey mica finishes for the bodywork, while the interior gets Stone Leather upholstery.



Also included are unique 17” alloy wheels, cruise control, Bluetooth telephone connectivity and a Bose audio system. Finishing things off are heated seats, brushed aluminium trim, front fog lights, aluminium pedals, floor mats and special badges.



Related post:

Mazda MX-5 Miyako

BBR gives MX-5 235 bhp

The Mazda MX-5 is a great little sports car, but the most powerful version currently available features a 2.0 litre engine with a fairly modest 158 bhp (118 kW / 160 PS).



For those who think that that’s not enough, tuner BBR has got together with Cosworth Engineering to provide a fix.

Their solution is to attach a fourth generation Eaton MP62 supercharger, which lifts power by almost 50% to 235 bhp (175 kW / 238 PS), while torque rises from 188 Nm (138 lb/ft) to 257 Nm (190 lb/ft). That puts the BBR-Cosworth MX-5 right on a par with competitors such as the £33,870 Mercedes-Benz SLK 300.



However, the conversion consists of more than just the supercharger. To help the engine breathe better, a Cosworth inlet manifold housing is fitted, together with high-flow calibrated injectors, air box and air filter.

Managing everything is a BBR Auxiliary Interceptor 2010 engine control unit, which has 3-D mapping and a MAP sensor. An air to water intercooler is also included in the package, and competition-grade hoses and fixings are used throughout.



The finishing touches are the BBR-Cosworth identification badges, which are the only external clue to the under-bonnet transformation.



The BBR-Cosworth Mazda MX-5 supercharger upgrade is priced at £4,995.00, including installation by BBR. Kits will also be made available for DIY fitting.

2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata Facelift

The 2009 MX-5 facelift debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Major changes concern the restyled front which now incorporates elements from Mazda’s newer models like the larger grille and new head and fog lights. Further restyled elements are the side skirts, rear bumper and the tail lights. The hardtop Roadster Coupe now features a mesh grille bordered by a chrome frame and chrome elements inside the headlamps and outer door handles.

gallery: 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata

2010-mazda-miata

2010-mazda-mx-5-miata

2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata

2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata

2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary

2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata's Power

2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata

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2010 Mazda MAZDA3 Second generation

The 2010 model is based on the C1 platform. The new model is marginally wider, longer and lighter than the previous generation Mazda3.

The 2.3L engine was replaced with a 2.5L engine that produces 167 bhp (125 kW; 169 PS) and 167 lb·ft (226 N·m) of torque. In other markets, many more engines are offered including a new 2.2L turbodiesel engine.

Car and Driver mentioned a possible 1.6L rotary engine offering, which has not happened yet.
2010 Mazda MAZDA3

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2010 Mazda MAZDA3

2010 Mazda MAZDA3


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Mazda Tribute 2010 Amazing Design

The Tribute received additional major changes to improve performance for the 2009 model year, mostly by way of mechanical upgrades. Most significantly, all new engines replaced the increasingly outmatched 2.3L I4 and 3.0L V6. Mazda's new MZR 2.5L I4 replaced the 2.3L, boosting horsepower to 171 bhp (128 kW; 173 PS) and 171 lb·ft (232 N·m) of torque at 4000 rpm.

Mazda Tribute 2010


Mazda Tribute 2010


Mazda Tribute 2010


Mazda Tribute 2010


Mazda Tribute 2010


Mazda Tribute 2010


Mazda Tribute 2010


Mazda Tribute 2010


Mazda Tribute 2010


Mazda Tribute 2010


Mazda Tribute 2010


Mazda Tribute 2010


Mazda Tribute 2010


Mazda Tribute 2010


Mazda Tribute 2010


Despite increased horsepower, fuel economy also increased by 1 mpg-US (240 L/100 km; 1.2 mpg-imp) on both urban and extra-urban cycles. The optional 3.0 L (AJ) V6 was thoroughly updated, resulting in a 40 hp (30 kW) increase, bringing power output to 240 hp (180 kW) and 233 lb·ft (316 N·m) of torque. It also sees a 1 mpg-US (240 L/100 km; 1.2 mpg-imp) improvement.





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Mazda 3 Interior look inside

This transmission has now been made standard on the 2.0 L engine in Japan (FWD models only), as part of a minor facelift in early 2008 which includes different front/rear bumper designs, new wheel designs and body colors, stiffened chassis, and better interior materials.

Mazda 3 Interior


Mazda 3 Interior


Mazda 3 Interior


Mazda 3 Interior


Mazda 3 Interior


Mazda 3 Interior


Mazda 3 Interior


Mazda 3 Interior


Mazda 3 Interior


Mazda 3 Interior


Mazda 3 Interior


Mazda 3 Interior


Mazda 3 Interior


Mazda 3 Interior


Mazda 3 Interior




The MPS / Mazdaspeed version is only available with a six-speed manual.