Glider

A glider is a customization feature used in Mario Kart 7, Mario Kart Arcade GP DX, Mario Kart 8, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Mario Kart Tour. After driving over a Glide Ramp, the selected glider automatically deploys, allowing players to float across gaps or over a portion of a track. Gliders only affect the weight and acceleration stat, along with the hidden air speed and air handling stat.

Mario Kart 7
Gliders first appear in Mario Kart 7. They may affect the weight or acceleration, or even the air speed and air handling. If players brake or get hit with an item while gliding, the glider retracts and the player falls to the ground.

The glider is utilized in the majority of racecourses in the game.

Mario Kart Arcade GP DX
In the Mario Kart Arcade GP series, gliders first appear in Mario Kart Arcade GP DX. They serve the same purpose as in Mario Kart 7. The glider is decided depending on the Kart chosen.

Half of the courses make use of the glider in this game.

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Gliding returns in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and functions exactly like it did in Mario Kart 7, though the glider can no longer be retracted. All gliders from Mario Kart 7 return except the Beast Glider and the Swooper.

Much like in Mario Kart 7, the majority of racecourses in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe utilize the glider. There is also a sponsor in the game called Dream Gliders, which provides the Gliders for the racers.

Mario Kart Tour
Gliders make their reappearance in the mobile installment Mario Kart Tour, functioning similarly to how they worked in Mario Kart 7, though parts are now acquired randomly through Pipes, which cost rubies. In addition, Gliders are sorted into three rarities: Normal, Super, and High-End, with the last ones being rarer, and overall being more powerful.

Super Mario Maker
In Super Mario Maker, the Kart Mario costume, when jumping, deploys a glider.

Appearances in non-Mario media
In Animal Crossing: New Leaf, when the Kart item is interacted with, a glider comes out.

Mario Kart 7

 * North American website bio: "This all-new addition to the Mario Kart arsenal utilizes blue boost ramps to activate your kart's glider and send you flying sky high. Steering in mid-air is vital to ensure a smooth landing."

Gleiter