Lotus 25
- Constructor
- lotus
- Years
- 1962–1965
- Designers
- Colin Chapman
- Engine
- Coventry Climax FWMV V8
- Configuration
- 90-degree V8, 1498 cc, naturally aspirated
- Power
- 195 bhp
- Chassis
- aluminium monocoque
- Gearbox
- ZF 5DS10 5-speed manual
- Suspension
- Front: double wishbone, inboard coilover. Rear: lower wishbone, top link and radius rod, outboard coilover
- Brakes
- disc
- Weight
- —
- Wheelbase
- —
- Tyres
- Dunlop
- Races
- 14
- Wins
- 7
- Poles
- 7
- Drivers' titles
- 2
- Constructors' titles
- 2
- Specification confidence
- high
Replace the tube frame with a stressed aluminium skin: half the weight, three times the stiffness
The first fully stressed monocoque chassis in Formula One, and an extremely low, narrow body around a reclined driving position
Chapman is said to have sketched it on a napkin. The spaceframe it replaced was a lattice of tubes that had to be triangulated around the driver; the monocoque made the driver's compartment itself the structure. Frontal area came down to 8 square feet. Every serious Formula One car since has been a monocoque of one material or another, and the 25 is the reason.
14 wins and 14 poles. Clark's 1963 and 1965 titles, with Lotus taking the constructors' championship both years.