The Lotus 92 was a Formula One racing car designed by Martin Ogilvie along with Team Lotus founder Colin Chapman before Chapman died in December 1982. The 92 was used by Lotus in the first part of the 1983 Formula One season.

Lotus 92
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorLotus
Designer(s)Colin Chapman (Technical Director)
Martin Ogilvie (Chief Designer)
Predecessor91
Successor93T
Technical specifications[1]
ChassisCarbon fibre and Kevlar monocoque
Suspension (front)Lotus Active suspension
Suspension (rear)Lotus Active suspension
Axle trackFront: 1,786 mm (70.3 in)
Rear: 1,672 mm (65.8 in)
Wheelbase2,799 mm (110.2 in)
EngineCosworth DFV, 2,993 cc (182.6 cu in), 90° V8, NA, mid-engine, longitudinally mounted
TransmissionLotus / Hewland 5-speed manual
Weight580 kg (1,280 lb)
FuelElf
TyresPirelli
Competition history
Notable entrantsJohn Player Team Lotus
Notable drivers11. Italy Elio de Angelis
12. United Kingdom Nigel Mansell
Debut1983 Brazilian Grand Prix
RacesWinsPodiumsPolesF/Laps
80000
Constructors' Championships0
Drivers' Championships0

The car was driven regularly by Nigel Mansell and also in one race (the 1983 Brazilian Grand Prix) by Elio de Angelis. Engine problems on the warmup lap for de Angelis' Renault turbo-engined Lotus 93T forced him into the spare 92, which eventually led to his disqualification, for changing from a Renault-engined car to a Cosworth-engined one. The 92's best result was sixth place for Mansell at the Detroit Grand Prix.

The 92 was the last non-turbo car designed and raced by Lotus until the turbo engines were banned from the 1989 season. It was also the last Lotus car to carry the Cosworth DFY V8 engine (a development of the Keith Duckworth designed Cosworth DFV which Lotus had introduced to F1 in 1967), while also being the first Lotus to use active suspension. The suspension system gave much trouble and virtually eroded Mansell's confidence in such things. Though he would eventually win the F1 title 9 years later in a car with active suspension - the Williams FW14B.

Complete Formula One results

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(key)

Year Entrant Engine Tyres Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Pts. WCC
1983 John Player Team Lotus Cosworth DFV
V8 NA
P BRA USW FRA SMR MON BEL DET CAN GBR GER AUT NED ITA EUR RSA 1 12th
Elio de Angelis DSQ
Nigel Mansell 12 12 Ret 12 Ret Ret 6 Ret

References

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  1. ^ "Lotus 92 • STATS F1".