THE ENGINEERING

LOTUS TYPE 99T: COLIN CHAPMAN’S LAST GREAT F1 INNOVATION

Visually, the most obvious new feature of the 99T was the trademark yellow of new sponsor Camel. However, there was a lot more going on with this Lotus F1 car than met the eye. The real difference with previous designs – the 95T, 97T and 98T – was found under the skin.

Honda RA166E V6 Turbo: a powerful change
At the heart of the 99T sat Honda’s RA166E 1.5-litre V6 turbo. To accommodate the Hondag engine, a new carbon fibre/Kevlar chassis had to be produced. The wide power band of this high-revving engine also required a new gearbox, so Lotus and Hewland developed a new 6-speed gearbox.

A new carbon fibre/Kevlar chassis had to be produced to accommodate the Honda engine. The wide power range of this high-revving engine also required a new gearbox, so Lotus and Hewland developed a new 6-speed gearbox. Lastly, engine vibration meant it was necessary to strengthen the entire car.

Lotus 99T active Suspension: flat-running advantage
The active suspension concept of the Type 92 was refined. A central pump distributed hydraulic fluid to actuators at all four corners. Pressure valves continually adjusted to optimum ride height for aerodynamic flow by eliminating pitch and roll.

The benefit? Increased cornering speed and reduced tyre wear.

The ‘flat-running’ of the car ensured each tyre’s contact patch with the track was as large as possible. In addition, reduced tyre wear meant the 99T could run with less wing, boosting top speed on the straights.

Camel Lotus Livery and Aerodynamic Packaging
The car bore a strong resemblance to its predecessors. But with a smaller engine cover and narrower side pods it was slightly sleeker. The team conducted extensive wind tunnel tests, but the big news was the undeniable vibrant appearance of the car due to RJ Reynolds’ Camel colours replacing those of JPS.

THE RACING YEARS

TYPE 99T AND THE FINAL CHAPTER OF TEAM LOTUS GP VICTORIES

The Type 99T got off to a poor start, with Ayrton Senna – driving on his home turf of Brazil – failing to finish. He managed to take pole at San Marino but due to concerns about fuel supply issues, Senna settled for 2nd place after Nigel Mansell’s Williams, powered by the more advanced 1987 Honda engine, whereas Lotus had to make do with the 1986 Honda engine.

Monaco 1987: Ayrton Senna’s first win with the 99T
Performances started to improve and he took the flag in stunning fashion at Monaco. A feat he repeated on the streets of Detroit. It marked the 79th and, ultimately, final Grand Prix win for Team Lotus. Senna managed to get podiums at Silverstone and Hockenheim, runner-up finishes at San Marino, Japan, and Australia, although Adelaide was later disallowed after stewards objected to the car’s brake-cooling ducts.

Detroit 1987: Senna’s last Lotus Grand Prix victory
But that 1987 victory in Detroit – on the bumpy, tight and technically demanding downtown streets of America's Motor City – has become legendary. Senna’s last Lotus win was a true showcase of the technical capabilities of Lotus Type 99T.

THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

WINS, PODIUMS AND POINTS IN LOTUS 99T 1987

The 99T delivered two wins and a string of podiums that kept Team Lotus competitive against Williams with the superior and more advanced version of the Honda engine cars. The points tally demonstrates consistent front-running pace and a clear advantage on circuits that suited the car’s increased cornering speed.

Team Lotus set out to compete for the titles in the 1987 Formula 1 season and Senna’s performances in the 99T were enough for him to secure 3rd place in the Drivers’ Championship, behind series winner Nelson Piquet and runner-up Nigel Mansell — both driving for Williams.

Active Suspension Formula 1 Legacy
By winning at the prestigious Monaco GP and on the tough streets of the Detroit GP, the Lotus 99T validated active suspension at the peak of Formula 1 performance. It demonstrated how stability, tyre preservation and aero consistency could translate into real race-day advantage.

THE DRIVERS

AYRTON SENNA AND SATORU NAKAJIMA X LOTUS 99T

Senna’s Swan Song at Lotus
In 1987, Senna used the unique strengths of the 99T F1 car to full effect. His victories in Monaco and Detroit earned their place in history as masterclasses in precision and control. Two trademark wins that marked the final Lotus GP victories of his career.

Satoru Nakajima’s late F1 debut
Second driver behind Senna was Honda favourite Satoru Nakajima, who made his F1 debut at 34. He was no match to his front man’s class and racing pace, but contributed points and valuable development input in the first year with Honda power and active suspension.

From Ayrton to Kimi
It was not until 2012 that Lotus won another Formula One Grand Prix, by then with Kimi Räikkönen in the Lotus F1 Team E20.