What is a Spyder?

[robinjoe]

I see the Spyder moniker on all kinds of cars:

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Toyota MR2 Spyder
Porsche 550 Spyder
etc.

What does "Spyder" mean? Is it just a name tacked on to impress consumers, or does it refer to a technical aspect of the car (engine, transmission, suspension, etc.).

I suspect it's like the GT tag. Some cars deserve it while others do not (like the 1990 Celica GT-S 0-60 in 10.5 secs.)

Thanks,
Joe

[Mike-in-Orange]

The term Spyder designates the car as a convertible. It's been used in Europe for a long time, although I'm not sure just how and/or why the word "spyder" was chosen for this application.

GT, which of course stands for Grand Touring, should describe a car such as the BMW 850i, the Mercedes SL600, or even the Jaguar XJ series. A true GT is not a true sports car, such as a Ferrari 360 Modena or even a classic MG, but rather a luxury/performance coupe. Generally a true sports car is geared more toward the real driving experience and as such often lacks many creature comforts.

And then there is the famed GTO, first used by Ferrari and shortly followed by Pontiac. Gran Tourismo Omologato (Italian for Grand Touring Homologation), it refers to the street legal group of vehicles that must be built and made available to the general public for purchase before its racing counterpart is allowed to compete in certain classes of, generally, sports car racing. Ferrari set out to build their 250 series of sports racers but needed to sell a certain number before they could compete. Hence the Ferrari 250GTO. I don't believe Pontiac ever needed to homologate their car, but rather just played on the name. Everybody needed to homologate thier cars for the TransAm racing series in the late 60s/early 70s so there were special versions of Mustangs, Camaros, Firebirds, Challengers, etc. Pontiac was the only maker to actually license the name "TransAm" for use on their Firebird, and payed a royalty to the series for many years.

And I see now that I've rambled a bit with way more info than you asked for!

[quicksilverdon]

Agree with Mike, except I believe that spyder only applies to 2-seat convertibles - the PT convert shouldn't be labeled a spyder, but marketing can do what they want....[:I]

[KingKole02]

I always thougth a spyder was a predetor insect that feeds on others.

PT spyder, hum, I just don't know. The PT however is a Predator Truck so I guess it fits. [8D]

[JPMS GT]

Mike, you have a way with words!! Don's right as I recall the spider referred to a two seater roadster (side curtans). I think it was first an Italian designation, then the rest of Europe picked it up. They also referred to a sedan as a Berlin or Berliner, and a coupe (roll up windows and hard top) as a Berlietta. I don't know, however, how the English turned our station wagon into a "shooting break". Teacher1, can you answer that? [:I]

John

[Mike-in-Orange]

I also agree with Don and should have been more specific about the two seat configuration for the Spyder designation. Of course the MR2 and Porsche 550 are indeed two seaters.

As for John's other comments.....so many of these terms have been bastardized over the years. Even an English friend of mine can't explain "shooting break" for a station wagon. Of course the BMW 525 Touring is a station wagon, so the Germans see it different still. And there has to be some explanation for "saloon" referring to a four door sedan....I always thought a saloon was a place to stop in for a pint or two.

As for the Berlinetta name: Chevy used to make a Camaro Berlinetta, which I thought was odd because all Camaros were Berlinettas, whether they were RS, IROC, or Z-28 models! Ferrari used to build the 512BB, BB standing for Berlinetta Boxer. Berlinetta because of the two doors with the only side windows being those in the two doors. Boxer because it did in fact have a boxer engine (horizontally opposed, or 180*, V-12). They got it all right.

My favorite though, was the Alfa Romeo Spyder Veloce. Spyder? Yep, two seat convertible. Veloce (pronounced vel-o-chay, and meaning "fast" in Italian)? Uh, well, that car wasn't exactly fast, but it at least it looked the part.

[JPMS GT]

As I said, my friend, you have a way with words. However, Saloon and ..pint or two are very special words!![^]

[Mike-in-Orange]

quote:JPMS GT Posted - 10/09/2004 : 12:47:45 AM
As I said, my friend, you have a way with words. However, Saloon and ..pint or two are very special words!!

Right back at ya buddy![^]

[JPMS GT]

Is there an event this week end? I was looking forward to some Cruzin![:I]

Jn