The first prototypes for Project W94, as it was known at the time, were completed in mid-1994 and a concept version was presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show a year later.

Designed from the outset as a driver's car, the chassis was made of aluminium for its combination of low weight and substantial strength, while the actual bodywork is a plastic composite.

The gearbox and the engine were one unit transversally fixed in an oscillating hinge (an arrangement inspired by aeronautical design), which all but eradicated the interference of engine vibration with the chassis, and the pedals of the Spider were adjustable as well as the seat so the driver could achieve a better driving position.

Power for the Spider came from a version of the 2-litre F7R engine from the Clio Williams and Mégane Coupe, producing 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp).

A special Spider Trophy edition was designed and built for the purpose, with the engine tuned to produce 180 bhp (134 kW).