Lotus 78
Lotus 78 – Formula 1 car, designed in 1976 by Colin Chapman, Ralph Bellamy, Martin Ogilvie and Peter Wright and built by Team Lotus. The model for the first time in Formula 1 were obtained przypowierzchniowy effect. The car took part in the seasons 1977-1978 and helped to get both titles in the 1978 season.
Lotus 78 was the first Formula 1 car using przypowierzchniowy effect. By proper shaping of the floor air under the car accelerated, which decreased its pressure. This resulted in increased adhesion of the car.
Aluminum monocoque model took the honeycomb structure and was very thin. The side sections of the car, which took almost the whole of its length, placed coolers. Effect przypowierzchniowy could be possible to achieve by means of sliding blinders that prevent unwanted air getting under the car. Spoilers front and rear were to ensure stability at high speeds.
Powered by Cosworth DFV engine vehicle was unveiled at the end of 1976. The new model, whose drivers were Gunnar Nilsson and Mario Andretti, was very competitive. Andretti won four races of the season and not only won the title because of the high unreliability of the vehicle.
Very lightweight monocoque caused problems, however, and the car hardly ran through it. Therefore, when constructing a new Chapman Lotus 79 gave at 1978 years with a honeycomb structure, thus increasing the weight, but the improved driveability. To maximize the effect przypowierzchniowy, enlarged side sections and aprons. Wind tunnel testing showed that 79 was about 25% more efficient than its predecessor. After testing the new model Andretti said that the Lotus 78 was carried out as "London Bus". The car was not ready for the start of the season in 1978 and Lotus continued to benefit from the model 78
Nilsson was replaced by Ronnie Peterson. Before issued Lotus 79, Andretti and Peterson won in the old car after a race. Model 79 made its debut at the Belgian Grand Prix. Lotus dominated the season, winning a total of eight races and winning both titles.
Built four copies of the Lotus 78
12 • 16 • 18 • 18/21 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 24 • 25 • 33 • 43 • 49 • • 49B 49C 56B • • 63 • 69 • 72 • • 72c • 72B 72D 72F • 76 • • • 72 hours 77 • 78 • 79 • 80 • 81 • 87 • 81b • 87B • 91 • 92 • • 93T 94T 95T • • • 97T 98T 99T • 100T • • 101 • 102 • 107 • 109 • T127 • T128 • E20 • E21 • E22
• McLaren McLaren M23 M26 TYRRELL • p34 • Lotus 78 • • Brabham BT45 Brabham BT45B • March 761B • March • 771 • Ferrari 312T2 BRM BRM P207 P201B • • • Penske PC4 Renault RS01 • Shadow Shadow DN8 DN5B • • • Surtees TS19 Wolf WR1 • Wolf Wolf WR3 WR2 • • • Ensign N177 Hesketh 308E Ligier JS7 • • 761 • March Fittipaldi Fittipaldi FD04 • F5 • LEC CRP1 BORO • 001 • • Apollon Fly McGuire BM1 TYRRELL • 007 • Kojima KE009
Brabham BT46 Brabham BT45C • • • BT46B Brabham Brabham Tyrrell BT46C • 008 • Lotus 78 • Lotus 79 • • McLaren M26 ATS ATS HS1 • D1 • Ferrari • Ferrari 312T3 312T2 • Renault RS01 Fittipaldi F5A • • • Shadow Shadow DN8 DN9 • Surtees TS19 • Wolf WR1 Surtees TS20 • • • Wolf Wolf WR3 WR5 WR6 • Wolf • Ensign • Ensign N175 N177 Hesketh 308E • • • JS7 Ligier Ligier JS7/9 • • Williams FW06 JS9 Ligier Martini MK23 • • • Theodore TR1 Wolf WR4 • Merzario A1 • Arrows FA1 • Arrows A1