Few cars have captured the imagination of enthusiasts quite like the Mazda MX-5. Since its debut in 1989, the little roadster has been celebrated for its purity, balance, and affordability. But for some, the MX-5 has always lacked one thing: raw power. Enter Rocketeer, a UK-based restomod specialist, with its latest creation—the Keiryo MX-5, a machine that redefines what lightweight performance means.
What “Keiryo” Really Means
The name Keiryo translates from Japanese to “lightweight,” and that philosophy is at the heart of this build. Rocketeer has stripped the MX-5 down to its essence, targeting a curb weight of just 850 kg. That’s astonishingly light in today’s automotive world, where even compact sports cars often tip the scales well above a ton.
But weight reduction is only half the story. Rocketeer has paired this featherweight chassis with a Jaguar-derived 3.0-liter AJ30 V6, tuned to deliver 370 horsepower. The result? A power-to-weight ratio on par with legends like the Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Huracán, and McLaren 620R.
The Engine: A Heritage of Performance
The AJ30 V6 is no ordinary motor. Its lineage traces back to Ford’s Duratec V6, itself influenced by Porsche engineering and enhanced with Cosworth heads. Rocketeer meticulously rebuilds and tunes each engine, ensuring reliability and performance. In the Keiryo, this V6 transforms the MX-5 from a nimble roadster into a snarling beast, capable of delivering thrills that rival modern supercars.
Design Philosophy: Analog Joy in a Digital Age
While modern sports cars are increasingly dominated by electronics, driver aids, and hybrid systems, the Keiryo MX-5 is refreshingly analog. Rocketeer’s vision is to preserve the classic roadster ethos—lightweight, rear-wheel drive, manual transmission—while injecting it with performance that makes enthusiasts’ hearts race.
This isn’t about chasing lap times with computers; it’s about pure driver engagement. Every input—steering, throttle, gearshift—feels immediate and visceral. In a world of digital dashboards and autonomous features, the Keiryo is a love letter to the golden age of motoring.
Exclusivity: A Rare Breed
Rocketeer plans to build only 10 examples of the Keiryo MX-5. Each car is bespoke, tailored to its owner’s preferences, and assembled with painstaking attention to detail. This rarity ensures that the Keiryo isn’t just another modified MX-5—it’s a collector’s item, a piece of automotive art.
Comparisons: Why It Matters
To put the Keiryo’s performance into perspective:
- Ferrari F40 (478 hp, 1,100 kg) → Similar power-to-weight ratio.
- Lamborghini Huracán (610 hp, 1,422 kg) → Comparable thrills, but at a fraction of the weight.
- McLaren 620R (620 hp, 1,350 kg) → The Keiryo matches its intensity in a much smaller package.
These comparisons highlight just how extraordinary Rocketeer’s achievement is. The Keiryo MX-5 isn’t trying to be a supercar—it’s proving that lightweight engineering can deliver supercar-level excitement without the excess.
The Driving Experience
Imagine sliding behind the wheel of a car that weighs less than most hatchbacks but has the grunt of a Jaguar V6. The Keiryo promises blistering acceleration, razor-sharp handling, and a soundtrack that blends the MX-5’s playful character with the growl of a big-cat engine.
It’s not just about speed; it’s about emotion. The Keiryo MX-5 is designed to make every drive memorable, whether you’re carving through mountain roads or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon cruise.
Why Enthusiasts Are Excited
The MX-5 has always been “the answer” for driving purists. But with the Keiryo, Rocketeer has answered a different question: What if the MX-5 had the soul of a supercar? For enthusiasts who crave lightweight thrills but also hunger for power, the Keiryo is the ultimate dream.
Final Thoughts
The Keiryo MX-5 is more than a restomod—it’s a statement. It proves that lightweight engineering, analog driving, and bespoke craftsmanship can still deliver world-class performance in an era dominated by technology. With only 10 units planned, it’s destined to become one of the most coveted MX-5 builds ever.
For those lucky enough to own one, the Keiryo isn’t just a car. It’s a reminder that driving joy comes not from complexity, but from simplicity perfected.