Special edition Mazda MX-5 only weighs 990kg

Same power, less weight with Mazda Roadster 990S

If there's one thing the Mazda MX-5 is known for, it's agile handling. The sports car might not have the most power, but it does have the benefit of being lightweight to its advantage. Over in Japan, Mazda has released a special edition MX-5 that's undergone a diet. That's because it only weighs only 990kg. For reference, that's only 30kg more than the original 1989 MX-5 NA.

The special edition MX-5 is called the Roadster 990S. It's based on the lightest trim level available in Japan, the Roadster S. Mazda then fitted lightweight 16-inch RAYS ZE40 RS wheels to shave off 800g on each corner, totaling 3.2kg of weight savings. To further improve handling, Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers were added. The Brembo lettering is even finished in light blue to match the new soft-top color.

There is a catch, though. The special edition 990S is available only with the smaller 1.5-liter engine that makes 130 horsepower. No automatic gearbox option either as this only comes with a six-speed manual. For reference, the local MX-5 offered by Mazda Philippines uses the more powerful 2.0-liter mill which outputs 184 horsepower with 205 Nm torque and is connected to a six-speed automatic.

Since it's based on the Roadster S version, the 990S already comes standard with retweaked dampers, suspension, and power steering. Aside from the new blue soft top, the interior also gets exclusive floor mats and matching blue/black accents on the aircon vents. Mazda didn't say whether the Roadster 990S comes with their new Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) for the suspension, which is now standard on the 2022 model MX-5.

For reference, KPC works by applying brake pressure to the inside wheel to create anti-lift force while cornering at high speeds. As a result, there is a reduction in body roll, and the sports car feels more planted on the road. Despite the suspension upgrade, Mazda engineers say no weight was added

Over in Japan, the special edition 990S retails for JPY 2,893,000 or roughly PHP 1,266,000. While it might be a special model, Mazda did not say whether it will be produced in only limited numbers.