2016 Mazda MX-5 curb weight: 2,332 pounds

NEW MIATA GOES LIVE ON XBOX ONE NEXT WEEK

As fans of lightweight roadsters know, it’s hard for manufacturers to continually lighten and shrink its cars, especially with changing safety and efficiency regulations.

Thankfully, Mazda’s still fighting the good fight -- and winning. The 2016 Miata MX-5 roadster will tip the scales at just 2,332 pounds.

Mazda said the new MX-5 curb weight would be close the first generation’s flab, which turns out to be almost true. The original NA Miata came in at about 2,210 pounds, just 122 pounds less than the new one. With 26 years of regulations in between, we think that’s a pretty good result.

In case you forgot, the American version will work with a 2.0-liter SkyActiv four, which makes 155 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque.

If you’re looking for a test drive, look no further than “Forza Horizon 2” for Xbox One. Players will be able to test out the new car starting March 17, one month before it goes on sale. It will be offered as a free download in the driving simulator. As a bonus, players will have a chance to win a real MX-5 by competing in a new Time Trials Contest.

"Through history, there have been very few purer sportscars than the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and this fourth generation car is no exception," said Russell Wager, vice president of marketing, MNAO. "In the past, Miata was always a product of the analogue world, but this new 2016 model is the most sophisticated and digital yet, while still being a throwback to everything that made the original 1990 car so special. The new car is nearly as light, yet with a power-to-weight ratio exceeding that of its predecessor. While the physical car doesn't go on sale until later this summer, we're excited to give fans an opportunity to get behind the virtual wheel in Forza Horizon 2 to drive it before they can buy it."

Additional cars in the downloadable pack include the 2010 MX-5 Super20 SEMA concept car, 1990 MX-5 and 2005 MazdaSpeed MX-5.