Lotus 101 F1 car
Designer: | Frank Dernie | |
Chassis: | Fiber composite monocoque | |
Front suspension: | Double wishbone, shock absorber | |
Rear suspension: | Double wishbone, shock absorber | |
Length: | 4390 mm | |
Width: | 2150 mm | |
Height: | 950 mm | |
Wheelbase: | 2895 mm | |
Mass: | 500 kg | |
Tire: | Goodyear | |
Petrol: | Eleven | |
The Lotus 101 was a Formula 1 racing car of the British racing team Lotus, for the 1989 Formula 1 season.
History
The Lotus 101 racing car was a creation of the new chief designer Frank Dernie. The completion was delayed so much that the car could not be tested before the start of the season. A special feature of the Lotus 101 was its extremely long wheelbase of 2895 mm, which ensured a good weight distribution. In addition, the vehicle front was heavily waisted. Made from aluminium plates and carbon and fibre reinforced synthetic resin, the monocoque was developed in collaboration with Carbon Industries. Four chassis were built. The main sponsors were the Tobacco Group with the cigarette brand Camel and the electronics company Epson.
The Lotus 101 was powered by a Judd V8 engine with 3496 cc, as it had already been used in the 1988 Formula 1 season by Williams, March and Ligier. This made a maximum of about 600 hp (440 kW) at a speed of about 11,200 rpm. The Hewland transmission had six forward gears and one reverse gear; it was switched manually. The tank took 195 litres. The brake system came from Brembo, the shock absorbers from Bilstein. The inner springs and dampers on the front axle were operated via tie rods, on the rear axle via push rods.
Despite underpowering and poor handling of the Lotus 101 Nelson Piquet and team-mate Satoru Nakajima brought together 15 world championship points, which meant sixth place in the constructors' championship. In anticipation of better results for 1990, the engine contract with Judd was terminated at the end of the year.
