British automotive shop Rocketeer Cars is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The company’s new “Keiryo” model isn’t just a modified roadster – it’s engineered to match the performance of automotive legends like the Ferrari F40, despite using the Miata’s compact platform.
Lightweight Powerhouse
The core of the Keiryo’s appeal is its impressive power-to-weight ratio. Rocketeer has managed to create a vehicle weighing just 1,874 pounds (850 kilograms) while extracting 375 horsepower from an upgraded Jaguar 3.0-liter V-6 engine. This results in 441 horsepower per ton, placing it in the same league as supercars like the Lamborghini Huracan and McLaren 620R.
The company hasn’t yet detailed how it achieved such a drastic weight reduction, but the first unit is already in production, with deliveries expected next year. Given the extreme nature of the build, comfort features will likely be minimal in the Keiryo.
Limited Production, Bespoke Builds
Rocketeer is building only 10 Keiryo models, making it an exceptionally rare vehicle. A less aggressive “Touring” version will also be available, offering some added amenities. The company’s broader portfolio includes a RestoMod program for the Mk3 NC Miata, which features a 300-horsepower version of the Jaguar V-6 engine.
Rocketeer Cars is a small operation, having built only a few hundred cars in the past decade. However, it delivered over a dozen RestoMod builds last year, demonstrating growing demand for its specialized work. The company has shipped vehicles and self-build kits globally, from the US to Brazil and Antigua.
The Keiryo proves that the Miata’s inherent agility can be amplified to compete with high-end performance machines. This project highlights the roadster’s versatility and potential for extreme modification.
Rocketeer Cars continues to redefine the limits of aftermarket customization, turning an already capable platform into something truly exceptional. The Keiryo is not just a car; it’s a testament to what focused engineering can achieve.
