Lightweight Mazda MX-5 990S revealed

Japanese buyers will soon have the option of a new lighter version of the current Mazda MX-5 that sheds weight and gains new chassis tech for a better drive.

According to Japan's Car Watch, the new 2022 Mazda MX-5 990S Special Edition tips the scales at just 990kg with the 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine under the bonnet – some 117kg less than the regular version.

That said, it's still to be confirmed whether the Japanese figure includes a 75kg driver.

Helping engineers create what could be the lightest MX-5 since the first-gen NA (which tipped the scales at 960kg), the MX-5 990S loses its sound deadening, gets a specially designed thinner hood, plus a set of new Rays alloy rims that carve off 3.2kg from the kerb weight alone.

More kilo-killing involves switching to Brembo brakes that, despite being bigger, slash another 700g off total mass.

Inside, the 990S cabin ditches the standard car's touch-screen for a lighter system.

To cope with the weight reduction, engineers have retuned the electric power steering and given the roadster a bespoke suspension tune that includes a new set of dampers all round.

Finally, the MX-5 990S gets Vehicle Attitude Stabilisation Control chassis tech that uses the brakes to suppress wheel lift for flatter cornering.

Helping advertise its lightweight credentials, the 990S features a navy-blue fabric hood, black callipers with 'Brembo' lettering in light blue, and blue detailing within the cabin that includes blue 'Roadster' lettering on the floor mats.

Under the bonnet, the 1.5-litre four-cylinder produces no more power, with owners having to make do with the standard version's 97kW and 152Nm of torque.

No performance claims have been released, but development chief Shigeki Saito told Car Watch: "Horsepower and fun are not proportional, but lightness and fun are proportional.

"If you increase horsepower, you will inevitably become heavier because you have to strengthen the body, etc. The lighter the car, the more fun it is. If you enjoy driving, I think this roadster is the best right now."

Instead of limiting volume, it's been reported Mazda hopes to make as many MX-5 990S models as possible.

There's no plan for a 2.0-litre version or, alas, exporting it to other markets such as Australia, with prices for the JDM Mazda set to be released soon ahead of first deliveries beginning before the end of this year.