Japanese tuners tinker with Mazda MX-5

It is still a month away from launching in Australia, but Japanese tuners have already launched into the ND Mazda MX-5.

Home-town tuning company Autoexe has developed styling and mechanical kits for the latest-generation roadster, though the addition many enthusiasts may be hoping for – a turbocharger – is nowhere to be seen. Not yet, anyway.

Instead, Autoexe says its modifications are all about “sensitive tuning” designed specifically for the Japanese domestic market. An air intake claimed to reduce air flow resistance by up to 15 per cent to 3000rpm is the only engine change, while along with a twin sports exhaust with 54mm diameter helps to liberate slightly more power – though exact figures aren’t given.

Two suspension modifications are available – one simple, one more advanced. A low-down spring kit simply drops ride height by 20mm and ramps up spring rates by 18.5 per cent at the front and 21.5 per cent at the rear.

The more sophisticated road-friendly kit is called “street sport suspension” and retailing at $1763 in Aussie dollars, adds a dedicated trapezoidal spring and monutube dampers, with an adjustable ride height range of 5mm to 15mm. The springs are only 10 per cent stiffer front and rear.

When the new MX-5 is dropped, Autoexe says the angle of the lower suspension arm changes by enough to warrant a new adjustable stabiliser link that is a further option. An under-bonnet strut tower brace and floor cross bar are all designed to make the pure little roadster a bit tighter and tougher.

Optional outside signatures include a front lip spoiler, LED foglight kit and front bumper extensions, teaming with a rear wing and under-panel garnish that add about A$1217 to the price, according to the Autoexe Japan website. A forged alloy wheel kit is available separately.

Autoexe says that while it tunes for JDM, there are some export parts opportunities available. If there is one thing we know about NA, NB and NC owners, it’s that they love a good modification – and we suspect buyers of the ND Mazda MX-5 will be no different.

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