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When looking for an affordable and approachable performance car, few fulfill the role better than the trusty Mazda MX-5. For over 30 years, the Miata has functioned as a shiny new sports car that drivers can enjoy directly from the showroom, or perhaps as a project car for younger gearheads looking to build the road-going racer of their dreams. The updated ND3 version won the CarBuzz Affordable Fun award this past December, showcasing how even a car with less than 200 horsepower can bring immense fun to any driving experience.

But there’s always been one complaint leveled against the Miata. “It needs more power,” say the internet hoards, many begging for a turbo. As we all know by now, there’s only ever been one turbocharged factory Miata – the Mazdaspeed Miata – but did you know there was once a turbocharged NC Miata available right from the showroom?

The Turbocharged Miata Developed By Tuning Icons

Mazda’s always been forthcoming about the fact that the Miata needs a naturally aspirated engine to deliver a pure driving experience centered around light weight and high engagement. But there have always been those who craved more power.

Noticing a gap in the market for a factory-backed tuned MX-5, British tuning company BBR decided to fill it. In 2013, it launched a special version of the MX-5 called the GT270. The turbocharged version of the third-generation NC model came with 268 hp and 227 lb-ft of torque, and could sprint to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. It was even sold through select Mazda dealers in the UK with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, illustrating just how highly esteemed BBR was as a tuning brand.

Limited to 100 units, the GT270 featured a slew of updates to accommodate the boost in power. It was completely over-engineered, too, with a turbo rated for over 360 hp, and an ECU with four maps to cater to different fuel grades and even limit engine speeds to just 3,500 rpm in Valet mode. The technical highlights included:

• Bespoke BBR Garrett GT series ball bearing turbocharger
• BBR stainless steel turbo manifold
• BBR stainless steel downpipe
• BBR Hi-flow lightweight front mounted aluminium intercooler with
• BBR Recirculating piston type dump valve
• BBR / Bosch high flow fuel injectors
• BBR high flow airbox
• BBR Starchip EcuTek Pro ECU calibration software with driver switchable modes
• BBR / Exedy uprated clutch

Despite having developed turbocharged versions of the car, BBR is arguably more famous for its supercharged NC-generation MX-5s. Its first supercharged version was unleashed in 2011, and it came as a result of a partnership between it and Cosworth.

BBR’s Iconic Supercharged MX-5 Had Help From A Motorsport Legend

While the supercharged versions of BBR’s MX-5 were never offered via Mazda dealers, the company ensured the upgrade was installed as effectively as it was in the turbo cars. A big part of achieving this was working with the renowned engine-building firm Cosworth, which has an extensive history working in Formula 1 and other top racing series, as well as helping to develop road-going car engines featured in the likes of the Aston Martin Valkyrie and the upcoming Bugatti Tourbillon.

BBR’s upgrade package worked with the 2.0-liter inline-four engines offered for the NC MX-5. The 2.0-liter MX-5 was already pretty peppy as standard, the 135 hp engine allowing the light car to blast past the 60 mph barrier in 7.9 seconds. With the supercharger aboard, an extra 77 hp pushed peak power to 235 hp, while torque increased from 138 lb-ft to 190 lb-ft.

The effects of this were dramatic, with the 0-60 mph time being cut to just 6.0 seconds, while the pocket rocket could keep accelerating up to 150 mph. Alongside the extra grunt, drivers could also enjoy the infectious supercharger whine that emanated from the engine bay.

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An Eaton supercharger was the headliner, though a tonne of extra components were needed. Alongside a BBR-supplied intercooler, Cosworth developed bespoke inlet housing, a new airbox and filter, and a tweaked auxiliary ECU. It also brought along new high-flow fuel injectors and upgraded hoses to deal with the punishment from the supercharger, which is somewhat of a dying technology in 2025.

BBR worked closely to develop the package to ensure that cars graced with it would be as reliable as non-modified examples. All in all, the upgrade package cost a little over $6,200. BBR kept developing the package beyond release too, and unveiled a Stage 2 edition a year later. This included a revised ECU, as well as a new exhaust system. With the Stage 2 enhancement, the power of the 2.0-liter engine spiked at 258 hp. The kit was also offered for models with the 1.8-liter motor.

Mazda’s Official Turbocharged MX-5 Is A Hero In Its Own Right

While Mazda has tended to focus on keeping the MX-5 naturally aspirated from the factory, its Mazdaspeed performance arm dabbled with turbocharging in the mid-2000s. With the second-gen MX-5, the NB, set to be replaced in 2005, Mazda sent it out with a bang. The turbocharger, which was capable of putting out 8.5 psi of boost, was introduced alongside a new intercooler to help keep engine temperatures down.

The range-topping 1.8-liter engine, which produced 146 hp in standard form, was used as the foundation for the Mazdaspeed. The component boosted power to 178 hp and torque to 166 lb-ft, which was transmitted to the rear wheels via a short-throw six-speed manual transmission.

The Upgrades Didn’t End With The Turbocharger

Alongside the new intercooler, a larger radiator and new oil cooler were brought along, as were enhanced spark plugs and larger air ducts. An uprated clutch and driveshafts were also utilized alongside a torque-sensing limited-slip differential, ensuring the Mazdaspeed MX-5’s powertrain was enhanced in every measure. The changes didn’t stop there either, as an upgraded suspension and braking setup allowed the MX-5 to slay apexes more effectively than the standard model.

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It was also jazzed up from the outside, with larger 17-inch wheels and a more aggressive body kit headlining the changes. Unlike the BBR-tuned turbocharged and supercharged MX-5s, the Mazdaspeed MX-5 can be purchased in the USA. They’re not as much as you’d think on the used market these days either, with Kelley Blue Book reporting deals can be had for around $8,500.

Given the level of changes the MX-5 underwent as part of the Mazdaspeed package, this represents a bit of a steal. Whether you prefer your MX-5 to be supercharged or turbocharged, these two variants illustrate that they can be done to an immensely high level.

Sources: BBR, Mazda, Kelley Blue Book