The...Lime Lantern: Mazda’s Special Edition MX-5 Roadster Coupe Karai

Another week, and rather than just another Mazda, it’s another MX-5 special edition. This one is called Karai, which according to the company is Japanese for ‘sharp’, and it comes to us from Mazda’s European division.

The Karai is based on the MX-5 Roadster coupe, which means it is fitted with a retractable hardtop. It boasts a unique lime-green paint called “Metal Green Metallic” for the body and contrasting glossy black finish for metal top, exterior mirrors, trim accents such as the front grille and fog lamp surrounds, as well as the 17-inch multispoke alloy wheels that are shod in low profile performance tires.

On the inside, the MX-5 Karai features a pair of Recaro sport seats trimmed in black leather and Alcantara with white stitching, aluminum pedals, leather steering wheel with white stitching while Mazda says all the interior trim pieces that are usually finished in silver are now painted in a glossy black color.

Power comes from the stock 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 160-horses, with Mazda also offering an optional sport package that includes an exhaust system, a lowering kit for the suspension plus a few more goodies such an iPod and USB adapter, and an exclusive set of floor mats.

Mazda said it plans to build 165 examples of the Karai for Germany, with prices starting at €30,000 (US$43,500). The company didn’t say if and when it will offer the special edition roadster in other markets.

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