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Rocketeer Confirms New Lightweight V6 Flagship and US Expansion

Craig Toone

By 

Images by 

Rocketeer Cars

Published

7 May 2025

Rocketeer Confirms New Lightweight V6 Flagship and US Expansion

Rocketeer Confirms New Lightweight V6 Flagship and US Expansion

British MX-5 conversion specialist to launch 375hp Keiryō model, NC Miata kit, and US Turnkey builds following successful funding round.

British MX-5 conversion specialist to launch 375hp Keiryō model, NC Miata kit, and US Turnkey builds following successful funding round.

British MX-5 conversion specialist to launch 375hp Keiryō model, NC Miata kit, and US Turnkey builds following successful funding round.

Rocketeer Cars has confirmed a new round of private investment to fund its next phase of growth, including an expanded product line-up and market reach. The Hampshire-based MX-5 V6 conversion specialist will develop two new vehicles, complete its long-awaited NC MXV6 programme, and begin building Turnkey cars in the United States.

The new investors, described as “enthusiast owners of supercars and classics,” have already commissioned two Rocketeer MXV6 builds for themselves.

The most exciting news is the announcement of the Rocketeer Keiryō – a lightweight, high-performance flagship based on the MXV6. Named after the Japanese word for "lightweight", the Keiryō aims to deliver 375hp in an 850kg package, for a power-to-weight ratio of 441hp per tonne – on par with supercar royalty like the Ferrari F40 and more recent machines like the Lamborghini Huracán V10 or McLaren 620R. Incredible numbers for the demure MX-5, but ones the chassis should actually be able to handle thanks to its double wishbone suspension all-round and inherent balance.

The first Keiryō is already in development for a private client. Rocketeer says the car will be “the lightest and most powerful MXV6 ever produced”, with follow-on customer builds to begin once the initial example is delivered. If you’re interested, the order book is now open.


Rocketeer Confirms New Lightweight V6 Flagship and US Expansion

Also confirmed is the long-anticipated NC MXV6 conversion, bringing Rocketeer’s V6 transplant to the third-generation MX-5/Miata for the first time. Still in late-stage development, the NC version has already exceeded 300bhp in dyno testing and will initially be offered as a Turnkey or RestoMod vehicle, rather than a self-build kit. This approach is intended to ensure reliability and build consistency as the platform is introduced. Customer deliveries are expected to begin later this year.

The third major development is Rocketeer’s expansion into the United States – a market the company says has shown "substantial and increasing" demand. Production for US-based clients will be handled by a newly engaged partner in Kansas, specialising in Miata performance and race builds. The move builds on Rocketeer’s existing international partnerships in Germany, the Netherlands and Australia.

Since launch, Rocketeer has delivered over 30 Turnkey and RestoMod vehicles and supplied more than 150 self-build kits, showing the enduring appeal of a simple, lightweight sports car with a naturally aspirated engine. With private backing now secured, new models inbound and the US market finally within reach, Rocketeer’s momentum is building on all fronts.


Rocketeer Confirms New Lightweight V6 Flagship and US Expansion
Rocketeer Confirms New Lightweight V6 Flagship and US Expansion

Author

Craig Toone

Craig Toone

Rush Founder

Photography by:

Rocketeer Cars

Published on:

7 May 2025

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Rocketeer Confirms New Lightweight V6 Flagship and US Expansion

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British MX-5 conversion specialist to launch 375hp Keiryō model, NC Miata kit, and US Turnkey builds following successful funding round.

Craig Toone

AUTHOR

Craig Toone

Rush Founder

About the Author

Craig Toone

Craig Toone

Rush Founder

Obsessed with cars and car magazines ever since growing up in the back of a Sapphire Cosworth. Wore the racing line into the family carpet with his Matchbox toys. Can usually be found three-wheeling his Clio 182 Trophy around the Forest of Bowland, then bemoaning its running costs.

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British MX-5 conversion specialist to launch 375hp Keiryō model, NC Miata kit, and US Turnkey builds following successful funding round.

Rocketeer Cars
7 May 2025

British MX-5 conversion specialist to launch 375hp Keiryō model, NC Miata kit, and US Turnkey builds following successful funding round.

First published

7 May 2025

Last updated

11 May 2025

Photography

Rocketeer Cars

Craig Toone

AUTHOR

Craig Toone

Rush Founder

W

Rocketeer Cars has confirmed a new round of private investment to fund its next phase of growth, including an expanded product line-up and market reach. The Hampshire-based MX-5 V6 conversion specialist will develop two new vehicles, complete its long-awaited NC MXV6 programme, and begin building Turnkey cars in the United States.

The new investors, described as “enthusiast owners of supercars and classics,” have already commissioned two Rocketeer MXV6 builds for themselves.

The most exciting news is the announcement of the Rocketeer Keiryō – a lightweight, high-performance flagship based on the MXV6. Named after the Japanese word for "lightweight", the Keiryō aims to deliver 375hp in an 850kg package, for a power-to-weight ratio of 441hp per tonne – on par with supercar royalty like the Ferrari F40 and more recent machines like the Lamborghini Huracán V10 or McLaren 620R. Incredible numbers for the demure MX-5, but ones the chassis should actually be able to handle thanks to its double wishbone suspension all-round and inherent balance.

The first Keiryō is already in development for a private client. Rocketeer says the car will be “the lightest and most powerful MXV6 ever produced”, with follow-on customer builds to begin once the initial example is delivered. If you’re interested, the order book is now open.


Rocketeer Confirms New Lightweight V6 Flagship and US Expansion

Also confirmed is the long-anticipated NC MXV6 conversion, bringing Rocketeer’s V6 transplant to the third-generation MX-5/Miata for the first time. Still in late-stage development, the NC version has already exceeded 300bhp in dyno testing and will initially be offered as a Turnkey or RestoMod vehicle, rather than a self-build kit. This approach is intended to ensure reliability and build consistency as the platform is introduced. Customer deliveries are expected to begin later this year.

The third major development is Rocketeer’s expansion into the United States – a market the company says has shown "substantial and increasing" demand. Production for US-based clients will be handled by a newly engaged partner in Kansas, specialising in Miata performance and race builds. The move builds on Rocketeer’s existing international partnerships in Germany, the Netherlands and Australia.

Since launch, Rocketeer has delivered over 30 Turnkey and RestoMod vehicles and supplied more than 150 self-build kits, showing the enduring appeal of a simple, lightweight sports car with a naturally aspirated engine. With private backing now secured, new models inbound and the US market finally within reach, Rocketeer’s momentum is building on all fronts.


Rocketeer Confirms New Lightweight V6 Flagship and US Expansion
Rocketeer Confirms New Lightweight V6 Flagship and US Expansion

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British MX-5 conversion specialist to launch 375hp Keiryō model, NC Miata kit, and US Turnkey builds following successful funding round.

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7 May 2025

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