Mazda MX-5 sheds weight in 990S Special Edition

Mazda has unveiled a new limited edition of its iconic MX-5 model, the 990S. The number refers to its weight in kilograms (990 kg / 2,183 lbs), made so low thanks to an entry-level engine underneath.

Specifically, the car will be available exclusively with a 1.5-liter engine rated at 130 PS (128 hp / 96 kW). The 2.0-liter mill is too heavy for this special series, designer Shigeki Saito believes, adding that the current engine is more than enough for some emotional driving.

Multiple tricks help maintain the car under one metric ton of weight. For example, it lacks any kind of noise proofing or infotainment, has a lightweight hood cover, and shaves off another 3.2 kilos (7 lbs) through the use of light wheels.

New Brembo brakes also weigh 700 grams (1.5 lbs) less than stock despite their larger size. The design team emphasizes that reducing unsprung weight is way more important than reducing sprung weight, because the former affects driving comfort ten times more than the latter.

Elsewhere, the 990S benefits from upgraded suspension and steering, as well as a previously unavailable feature called KPC, which is used for body stabilization. Whenever lateral overload exceeds 0.3g in curve, the system kicks in and brakes the inner rear wheel to avoid side rolling.

The exterior stays largely stock except for the soft top, air intakes and caliper captions, which are now blue.