For 1982 after Three uncompetitive F1 seasons of experimental or mediocre cars, Colin Chapman went back to basics and designed the graceful Lotus 91, based in part on the Williams FW07 and Lotus' own 88 design. Powered by the Ford Cosworth DFV, and using a standard Hewland gearbox. The new car was the first Lotus chassis to use carbon brakes, improving braking performance considerably. Using an on-board system to control the ride height and behavior of the suspension, the Lotus 91 was the first car to be fitted with active suspension. The system was partially controlled by computers, but at this early stage was mostly operated by hydro-pneumatic valves. Elio de Angelis used the car well, but found the 91 was mostly competitive on ultra fast tracks like Hockenheim, Monza and the Osterreichring. The latter track provided a thrilling final lap win for De Angelis against Keke Rosberg in the Williams. This Model has a removable Body cover as a component revealing the interior of the car.
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