Rocketeer Cars is bringing its hand-built V6 conversion to the third-generation NC Mazda MX-5, following its work with the earlier NA and NB generations. The new model uses a Ford Duratec-based Jaguar AJ30 3.0-liter V6 producing 300 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, with the engine specifically re-engineered for the NC MX-5 platform.
A V6 Built Specifically for the NC MX-5
While turbocharging or supercharging the MX-5’s original engine offers a less intensive route to additional power, Rocketeer Cars takes a more extensive approach. The company uses a Ford Duratec-based Jaguar AJ30 3.0-liter V6 and re-engineers it specifically for the NC MX-5.
Rocketeer Cars describes the V6 as high-revving and says it features a bespoke cylinder-head design that eliminates the need for alterations to the bulkhead during the conversion.
The engineering package also includes a newly designed carbon-fiber engine plenum, a new exhaust system, throttle body, clutch and flywheel.
Rocketeer Says the MX-5 Keeps Its Weight Balance
Rocketeer Cars says its approach combines old-school analogue driving enjoyment with modern powertrain engineering. The company also says it has preserved the MX-5’s chassis characteristics despite replacing the original four-cylinder engine with the larger V6.
According to Rocketeer Cars, the subframe and underlying structure remain unchanged, while the car’s weight balance and actual weight also remain unchanged.
“When it was originally launched, the Mazda MX-5 reset the benchmark for handling and drivability, and we have worked tirelessly to make sure that we bring the Rocketeer approach to every engineering decision,” Rocketeer Managing Director Bruce Southey said.
“Weight distribution, overall weight, and a visceral, engaging, analogue driving experience were key, which has meant 18 months of time and effort has gone into engineering the new car. But the end result shows our no-compromise approach really works.”
Southey added that the principles of the original MX-5 and Rocketeer’s approach to driving remain evident in the launch model, which he said delivers a driving experience ranging from low speeds to a B-road blast and track driving.
Why Rocketeer Chose the NC Mazda MX-5
The NC is the third MX-5 generation to receive a Rocketeer V6 transplant, following the company’s work on the NA and NB models. Rocketeer Cars considers the NC particularly well suited to the conversion for several reasons.
The V6’s Jaguar origins are also relevant to the conversion. The engine was developed from Ford fundamentals during the period when Jaguar was owned by Ford, giving the powertrain a connection to the same automotive group associated with the NC Miata’s development.
The NC MX-5 was developed when Mazda was owned by Ford. According to the article, Ford would not allow Mazda to develop a single sports car on a bespoke platform, contributing to the NC’s larger proportions because its architecture also underpinned the larger and more powerful RX-8.
The NC Platform’s History of Engine Swaps
That underlying architecture is also part of what makes the NC a suitable candidate for modifications. Enthusiasts have replaced original NC components with upgraded parts since the model’s introduction.
Spec Miata racing uses RX-8 suspension components that are more robust than the original Miata components. The NC is also considered an easy candidate for Ford 2.5-liter engine swaps, with those engines able to drop in with almost no additional componentry required.
Rocketeer’s latest V6 conversion builds on that history by pairing the NC MX-5 platform with a 3.0-liter Jaguar AJ30 V6 engineered specifically for the car, while maintaining the company’s focus on weight, balance and analogue driving characteristics.
