The MX-5 990S suggestions that scales at simply 990 kgs.
The world’s greatest promoting roadster, the Mazda MX-5, has at all times been about weight. Or maybe I ought to say protecting the load down. Now, in Japan, the Hiroshima-based firm has re-focused the highlight again onto its widespread two-door by popping out with lightest ever ND-generation MX-5.
At a particular MX-5 homeowners assembly within the Karuizawa vacation space 100 miles north of Tokyo final week, Mazda took its MX-5 again to its roots and unveiled a shock addition to the MX-5 household, the ‘MX-5 990S.’
So what’s this automotive all about? Firstly the identify comes from the coupe being primarily based on the S grade of MX-5 and tipping the scales at 990 kg (2,182 lbs). That makes this ND particular version solely 30 kg (66 lbs) heavier than the unique NA era of 1989.
To get the load down, Mazda used each choice at their disposal. That included switching the wheels from the inventory rims to Rays alloys saving a complete of three.2 kg. And by altering to Brembo calipers and rotors, designers have been in a position to save one other 700 grams. The calipers are painted black with blue lettering to match the colour scheme. In addition they saved weight by making the cabin extra spartan and utilizing lighter supplies.
Nonetheless, not like the US-spec automotive, that boasts a 181hp 2.0-liter engine, the 990S if powered by a extra modest and frugal 1.5-liter producing 130hp. On the dealing with aspect, the dampers and Digital Energy Help Steering (EPAS) have been specifically tuned to boost the automotive’s cornering capability and an open differential was fitted.
“We needed to make the lightest and most fun-to-drive ND-model MX-5 doable,” says chief engineer Shigeki Saito. “Horsepower and enjoyable usually are not proportional. However light-weight sports activities and enjoyable are. The lighter the automotive the extra enjoyable it’s.” Alternative phrases from a growth chief who entered Mazda in the identical 12 months as the primary NA-generation MX-5 was born some 32 years in the past.
“To precisely specific our light-weight is enjoyable purpose, we believed that the colour mixture was necessary, so we gave the coupe a navy blue soft-top and white physique paint,” stated Saito. To co-ordinate with the outside coloration scheme, designers have additionally completed the air-conditioner louvres and flooring mat ‘Roadster’ logos in blue as effectively. In Japan, the MX-5 is named Roadster.
Though it is known as a particular version, the 990S is not going to be a restricted version mannequin because the agency desires it to be pushed and loved by “as many followers as doable.” This Japan-only mannequin is scheduled to go on sale by 12 months’s finish, with pricing particulars to be disclosed at launch time. One more particular mannequin that we’ll miss out on.