2022 Mazda MX-5 990S revealed for Japan with sub-1000kg weight

Just as you thought mainstream cars were getting heavier and heavier, Mazda has stripped out its MX-5 to make a new lightweight legend.

As reported by Japanese site Car Watch, the MX-5 990S weighs – you guessed it – just 990kg, the first iteration of Mazda's iconic roadster to dip below one-tonne since the original NA 30 years ago.

Based on the entry-level 1.5-litre MX-5, the 990S drops 43kg off the kerb weight of its donor vehicle.

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To make this happen, Mazda made some modifications, starting with a full set of Rays alloy wheels which trim 3.2kg off the total – but more importantly reduce unsprung weight on each corner.

This is further reduced by a pair of Brembo brake calipers and rotors fitted to the front axle, taking off another 700g despite being larger units than the standard car's stoppers, denoted by black paint with blue lettering.

More work has been done behind the scenes with sound deadening left in the factory to minimise the amount of material used in the car, while the addition of a blue soft top and air-conditioning vents helps to distract from the slightly increased noise.

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Despite the omission of a limited-slip differential, the open diff is coupled with Mazda's new Vehicle Attitude Stabilisation Control system, designed to reduce roll in corners by lightly applying brake pressure to the unweighted rear wheel when cornering above 0.3G.

Although this system isn't a direct replacement for electronically adjustable dampers, Mazda believes it will still provide an engaging experience for drivers.

Set to launch in Japan only, the chances of seeing any 990S variants in Australia is low, unless anyone decides to import one à la the 1991 Limited Edition.