Mazda has just unveiled the 2022 MX-5 Miata in Japan, and while the upgrades for this year are quite comprehensive, none of them concern the sports car's aesthetics.

The main headline upgrade for this year is the addition of what Mazda calls its Kinetic Posture Control (KPC) technology. While it may sound like a feature that's designed to correct your aching back, KPC is actually meant to improve the MX-5 Miata's handling.

KPC builds on Mazda's G-Vectoring Control (GVC), which is the brand's signature torque vectoring by braking tech. KPC is able to determine the differences in speed between the left and right wheels, and then the system will apply the appropriate braking force to stabilize the car's handling.

Additionally, KPC has the ability to generate an anti-lift force at the rear end by specifically braking the inside back wheels when cornering at higher G-forces (as shown on the left side of the photo). This puts the rear end in a more stable position while cornering, thus reducing body roll and improving handling.

Mazda says that this does not impact the car's handling during normal driving scenarios. However, the harder you drive the MX-5 Miata, the more that its KPC system is felt as it continuously adjusts to ever-changing handling scenarios.

Interestingly, this clever piece of tech does not add a single ounce to the car's weight. You'd also be glad to know that this will come standard on every single 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata, at least in Japan.

Exclusive to Japan, however, is this new MX-5 990S, which is now on sale in their market. The Mazda MX-5 990S weighs a mere 2,183 pounds, and it's the lightest Miata in nearly 30 years. To keep down weight, this model gets a smaller 1.5-liter engine that produces a mere 130 horsepower, which probably won't be enough grunt for North American buyers.

As mentioned, all of this year's changes are with regard to its handling. No aesthetic or tech upgrades were made to the 2022 MX-5 Miata, apart from the addition of Mazda's latest Platinum Quartz paint and Terracotta Nappa Leather.

As of this moment, the Mazda MX-5 Miata that we see here are for global markets. Mazda USA has not yet officially announced the 2022 MX-5 Miata, but based on what was unveiled in Japan, expect these new features to arrive a lot sooner rather than later.