Category: Blog Article

British Mazda tuner BBR has revealed a new Super 225 upgrade for the third generation Mazda MX-5 built between 2005 and 2013. The package combines a selection of BBR-engineered upgrades to the NC’s naturally aspirated 2-litre four-cylinder engine without resorting to turbochargers.

As its name suggests the upgrades yield a generous lift in peak power and torque over the standard powertrain, peaking at 224bhp, a 67bhp rise from standard. Not only is the power lifted, but it’s been done so without compromising on driveability or reliability, while engine response is also improved.

The changes consist specifically of new components that help the engine breathe more effectively, with changes on both the intake and exhaust

Audi has given its mid-sized Q5 SUV a midlife update to keep it in touch with rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. The changes are mostly focused on improving the Q5’s technology suite, cleaning up the available powertrains and updating the design. The changes also precede an incoming Q5 Sportback that will rival the BMW X4 and Porsche Macan later this year.

Along with much of the new-generation Audi range, all updated Q5s will receive a mild-hybrid system to clean up the petrol and diesel powertrains. Four-cylinder petrol and diesel models will incorporate a 12V system paired to a dual-clutch transmission and a part-time quattro ‘Ultra’ all-wheel-drive system as standard. Both of these models see power upgrades over their respective predecessors too, with the TDI and TFSI now increased to 201bhp and 260bhp respectively (up by 17bhp and 18bhp).

If you’re a Honda fan, there’s no doubt that you’ll be familiar with Mugen. Founded in 1973 by Hirotoshi Honda, son of Soichiro Honda himself, the brand is renowned for its extreme tuned machines and contributions to motorsport in Super GT and Formula 1. Its latest project is the FK8 Civic Type R, with an array of parts aiming to increase performance and enhance its looks.

The latest Type R is undoubtedly one of our favourite performance hatches of recent times, but there’s no denying that it has divisive looks. Extreme aerodynamics and questionable false vents are a little too much for some, but it seems this hasn’t deterred Mugen…

> Honda Civic Type R

Six years since production of BMW’s eccentric hybrid sports car first hit our roads, the German marque has produced its very final example. To mark the occasion, the last 18 cars have been finished in unique shades chosen by their respective owners.

Unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show, the i8 was the first of its kind, boasting high-tech lightweight materials, an advanced hybrid powertrain and a design you’d expect to find on a concept. Outright performance wasn’t its strong suit, but with over 20,000 units sold over its lifetime, there’s no doubt that it was a welcome entrant into the sports car segment.

> BMW i8 pumped to 409bhp by DTE Systems 

Ranging

The new hardcore Giulia GTAm is all well and good, but Mauro Simoncini had something a little better up his sleeve. Having debuted at the 2000 Nürburgring 24 Hours in an Alfa Romeo 155, he’s now decided to take his very own race-prepped Giulia Quadrifoglio to the world-famous race.

Prepared by Lanza Motorsport, the Giulia will be raced by Scuderia del Portello, a team that has previously taken multiple Alfa Romeos to the N24. The announcement came on the 110th anniversary of Alfa Romeo itself, one that confirms the return of the four-leaf clover to the endurance race after almost two decades of absence.

> ​Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA to cost from £153,000 in the