Lotus 78
- Constructor
- lotus
- Years
- 1977–1978
- Designers
- Colin Chapman, Tony Rudd, Ralph Bellamy, Peter Wright, Martin Ogilvie
- Engine
- Ford Cosworth DFV V8
- Configuration
- 90-degree V8, 2993 cc, naturally aspirated
- Power
- 465 bhp
- Chassis
- aluminium honeycomb monocoque
- Gearbox
- Hewland FG400 5-speed manual
- Suspension
- Front: double wishbone, inboard spring/damper. Rear: parallel top links, lower wishbones, twin radius arms
- Brakes
- disc
- Weight
- 588 kg
- Wheelbase
- 2741 mm
- Tyres
- Goodyear
- Races
- 33
- Wins
- 5
- Poles
- 7
- Drivers' titles
- 0
- Constructors' titles
- 0
- Specification confidence
- high
Shape the underside of the sidepods as inverted wings and seal the edges: the car makes downforce without making drag
Ground effect, and sliding skirts to seal the low-pressure area at the car's edges
Wings make downforce and pay for it in drag. Peter Wright's insight was that the whole underbody could be a wing instead, and that the ground itself would double the effect if the sides were sealed. The 78 was quick everywhere and unbeatable in slow corners. It should have won the 1977 championship and did not, because the DFV kept failing.
7 wins and 9 poles across 1977 and early 1978, before the 79 replaced it.