Lotus Type 79 in 3D

The ground-effect revolution

The Type 79 refined the ideas introduced by the Lotus 78. Inverted wing-shaped tunnels beneath the sidepods accelerated the airflow and generated low pressure, while sliding skirts helped seal that flow from the outside air. The resulting downforce allowed Lotus to use a smaller rear wing and reduce drag, turning the underside of the car into an integrated aerodynamic system.

Black, gold and world champion

Mario Andretti and Ronnie Peterson gave Lotus four one-two finishes during 1978. Andretti became World Champion and Team Lotus won the Constructors' title, making the Type 79 both a competitive success and the template that pushed the rest of the grid toward ground-effect design.