The “Spider” Cars

Jaguar, Mustang, Cougar, Ram, Pinto, Buck to name a few are just animal names but are also names of some popular models of cars. I wonder why those marketing geniuses keep naming their new models with animal names.  Your guess is as good as mine but I believe that there is beauty in them. Below is a list of popular cars that are named after the SPIDER. 

Alfa Romeo Spider

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alfa_romeo_spider_serie4_open.jpg

From the Italian car manufacturing giant Alfa Romeo, comes this sports car that made its public debut at Geneva Sports Show in March 1995. The Alfa Romeo Spider which starts production in 1995 up to 2005 replaces the 30-yr old Giulia Spider. This sports car works on a 2.0 L engine with a 5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmission. The car’s dimension is: length (167.7 in), width (63.9 in) and height (49.7 in) .

Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ferrari_430_Scuderia_Spider_.JPG

Known race car manufacturer Ferrari, after capturing its 16th F-1 Constructor’s championship, launched the F430 Scuderia that is equipped with a 510 hp 4.3L engine and 6-speed manual transmission that runs at a top speed of 315 km/h. The car’s dimension is: length (4,512 mm), height (1,214 mm) and width (1,923 mm). To date less than 500 units are produced that comes in only three colors: red, yellow, and black.

1955 Porsche 550 Spyder

http://www.flickr.com/photos/drnewton/820836055/

In 1953, German car manufacturer Porsche introduced this 2-seater sport car at the Paris Motorshow. However, the actual production started the next year and ended the following year. Porsche 550 Spyder runs on a 1.498 L engine, 6-speed manual transmission and has a top speed of 220 km/h. The body’s dimension is: length (3600 mm), width (1540 mm) and height (1050 mm).

Fiat 124 Spider

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fiat_124_sp_v_sst.jpg

Fiat of Italy developed and produced this sport car that can seat two  passengers in the front, in addition to two smaller seat at the back for children. After it was introduced at the Turin Auto Show in 1966, production started up until 1985. To note, more than 150,000 Spiders alone had been produced. Fiat 124 Spider runs on a 1995 cc engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. It can go up to 102mph. Other car specification include: length (3912mm), width (1631mm) and height (1240mm).

1980 Fiat Spider 2000

http://www.flickr.com/photos/resedabear/2794171224/

First built by Fiat in 1978 but the next year changed it name to Spider 2000 by the introduction of a 1995cc engine/single carburetor. By 1980, a mix of both carburetted and fuel-injected  cars are produced. Considered as a roadster, Spider 2000 has a 5-speed manual transmission and could attain a top speed of 102mph. The car’s dimension include: length (13.58 ft.), width (5.29 ft.) and height (49.2 inches).

Renault Sport Spider

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shimontec/26723441/

The Renault Sport Spider was developed in 1994 by Renault Sports, a known French car manufacturer. Designed as roadster, a concept version was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show where it earned some accolades. Production started the following year up until 1999. The car runs on a  1998 cc straight-4 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission and could reach a maximum speed of 251km/h. Other specification include: length (3795 mm), width (1830 mm) and height (1250 mm).

1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/2006_SAG_-_Lancia_Aurelia_Gran_Turismo_1955-02.JPG

Lancia of Italy introduced the Lancia B54 Spider at the Brussels Motor Show in 1955. Since then only 240 units are built. Run by a 2.45 L engine and could attain a top speed of  174 km/h, it is considered as the father of true Gran Turismo automobile. The car’s dimension include: length (4200 mm), width (1550 mm).