The world of aftermarket tuning is fast-paced and ceaselessly evolving, so much so that it can be all too easy to overlook both the charms and the benefits of old-school thinking, albeit when paired with cutting-edge technology.

Case in point, the latest addition to the MX5parts range, an all-new carbon-fibre airbox for the Mk4/ND MX-5 from Pipercross-Arma Speed. Stunningly realised, free-flowing and proven to be hugely effective, the airbox makes the ideal upgrade for any owner seeking to extract greater performance from their car.

Carbon-fibre has long been lauded as one of the most exotic (not to mention one of the coolest) materials known to man, and this owes much to its aerospace and motorsport origins. The fact that it’s both immensely strong and incredibly lightweight makes it the material of choice for countless high-end applications, and there can be no doubt that it perfectly chimes with the ethos underpinning the MX-5 itself.

Developed in conjunction with Arma Speed, a firm well versed in carbon-fibre product development and with a nuanced understanding of its strengths, weaknesses and capabilities, the V1 airbox has been formed to perfectly ape the engine bay of the fourth-gen MX5. It means that installation in the work of moments, and also that the box itself looks right at home in the engine bay area.

The inner dimensions of the airbox ensure a free-flowing feed of cool air is channelled directly into the inlet of the MX-5’s engine, which in turn means that the V1 has been shown to bring about improvements in both power and torque across the rev range. Said airbox also contains a specially designed Pipercross foam filter, one developed for this very application.

This offers stunning levels of filtration with 99.6 per cent efficiency down to 0.5 microns, effectively protecting your MX5’s engine from ingesting potentially damaging contaminants.

As if to underscore the focussed nature of the V1 airbox range, Pipercross-Arma Speed is able to offer bespoke variants for both the 1.5-litre and 2-litre variants of the ND. The kit completely replaces the OEM inlet tract from the OEM cold air duct backwards, and ships with everything required for a swift, hassle-free installation.

Price: £549.95 inc VAT with more information at the other end of 02392 644 588 or www.mx5parts.co.uk ENDS.