Like a majority of America, cars have gained weight. Most buyers in the market demand air conditioning and a quieter interior. There are also regulations require safety and emissions equipment that bring the curb weight, even on current compact cars.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata, however, still maintains a light-in-this-market weight of less than 2500 pounds. While this is a far cry from its 2100 pound curb weight that it debuted with in 1989, the majority of cars manufactured now weight over 3,000 pounds. Inside Line is reporting that Mazda thinks that there is more weight to shed.

The company wants the current Miata to lose, according to the article "no less than 720 pounds." That would bring the weight down to around 1800 pounds. For comparison, the Lotus Elise, probably the lightest production car for sale in the United States, weighs 1931 pounds, and it costs $50,000 dollars.

In order to bring this target weight close, the engineers are using some different techniques. The chassis might use high strength steel, reducing the amount of metal required in manufacturing. The car might become narrower, allowing for a smaller frontal profile. There is also a rumor that interior bits, like the glovebox, might be tossed in order to lose a few precious pounds.

Engine-wise, the best bet will be on the latest line of SkyActiv engines, with Inside Line betting on a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder.

The most interesting news about this weight cutting program, is that the articles source says that the weight-cutting measures are coming along okay.