The Mazda Miata Receives a Dash of Lightness

Zoom-Zooms are usually loud, but the reveal of the Mazda fourth-generation was anything but that. Instead, the Roadster or America’s Mazda MX-5 Miata revealed a new lightweight variation of the four-generation of the sports car. 

The new Miata, dubbed the 990s, received its name because it weighs under 990 kg (2,180 pounds for the US). But, of course, true Miata admirers know that’s the weight of the original Miata. 

The modest Miata premiered at a gathering for Miata fanatics in Japan. Mazda detailed its dedication to creating the lightweight sports car by trimming some weight and removing sound deadening material from the hood and cabin. 

The 990s substitutes stock wheels with uniquely molded units made by Rays. The stock wheels weigh about 1.76 pounds each. Additionally, the Rays wheels employ aluminum Brembo brake rotors. The brake rotors measure slightly longer, but the rotors are lighter than the standard steel units saving the Miata 1.54 pounds.    

It’s hard not to notice the 990s blue convertible top; blue louvers meshed into the cabin’s air vents and blue Brembo logos on the brake calipers. Mazda sighted the color blue as a conveyance of lightness, but everyone can relate, just take a look at the sky. 

The 990s isn’t just a construct of light, but also of purity, eliminating technologies like Mazda Connect and GPS to deliver a more focused driving experience. 

The Mazda 990s introduces a new handling system by the name of “Vehicle Attitude Stabilization Control.” Like G-Vectoring Control, the Stabilization Control uses software and sensors to identify motion for subtly enhanced dynamics. 

So if the Stabilization Control senses lateral forces more significant than 0.3g, it is aware that the car is cornering and applies a bit of braking to the inside rear wheel. Mazda assures that the Stabilization Control will assist in reducing the Miata’s disposition to rise and provide a more flush surface in turns. Mazda’s Vehicle Attitude Stabilization Control can be deactivated once the traction control is powered off.          

Unfortunately, the 990s isn’t available for the US, with weight savings sighted as an attribution. In addition, the 990s were based on the 130-horsepower, 1.5-liter limited to specific markets. In contrast, the US’s Miata utilizes a 181-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. 

The larger motor necessitates bigger brakes, additional cooling, and a toughened drive shaft and power plant frame. All of which adds 50 kg (110 pounds) to the car, accelerating its weight beyond the 990 kg. 

But the Chief of Development, Shigeki Saito, holds faith in the smaller output, and the 990s provides the purest ride in the Mazda lineup.  

 “Horsepower and fun are not proportional, but lightness and fun are.” – Chief of Development, Shigeki Saito. 

This article serves as a guiding light to Mazda’s hard work and diligence as they constantly search for new ways to enhance the way you ‘Zoom-Zoom’ and Kenny Ross Mazda want to place you comfortably in the middle of an unforgettable experience. We offer many new vehicle inventories and quality pre-owned vehicles to choose from. We pride ourselves on finding the deal that exceeds your expectations. 

In addition, our finance managers are sure to find you the right program at the most competitive rates. So get a headstart on that new car smell, and apply for auto financing at any given second. But if you aren’t ready to give up your most prized possession, don’t worry. Our technicians are here to take on your next service or auto repair. 

Whether it be a deeply discounted car, aggressive lease payment plan, routine maintenance, or a significant overhaul, sixty years of business should let you know you’ve come to the right place. So ask a neighbor and see what Kenny Ross Mazda has in store for you.