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  Lotus 79 Cosworth      

  Article Image gallery (75) Chassis (3) Specifications User Comments (1)  
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Country of origin:Great Britain
Produced in:1978
Numbers built:5
Designed by:Colin Chapman with Martin Ogilvie and Geoff Aldridge for Lotus
Predecessor:Lotus 78 Cosworth
Successor:Lotus 80 Cosworth
Author:Wouter Melissen
Last updated:March 15, 2010
Download: All images

Engine
Configuration Ford Cosworth DFV 90º V8
Location Mid, longitudinally mounted
Weight 147 kilo / 324.1 lbs
Construction magnesium alloy block and head
Displacement 2,993 cc / 182.6 cu in
Bore / Stroke 85.7 mm (3.4 in) / 64.8 mm (2.6 in)
Compression 11.5:1
Valvetrain 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed Lucas Fuel Injection
Aspiration Naturally Aspirated
Power 480 bhp / 358 kW @ 10,600 rpm
Torque 353 Nm / 260 ft lbs @ 8,500 rpm
BHP/Liter 160 bhp / liter

Drivetrain
Chassis aluminium monocoque
Front suspension upper rocker arms, lower wishbone, inboard spring/damper units
Rear suspension upper rocker arms, lower wishbones, inboard coil springs over dampers
Steering rack-and-pinion
Brakes ventilated discs, all-round
Gearbox Hewland FGA 400 5 speed Manual
Drive Rear wheel drive

Dimensions
Weight 610 kilo / 1,345 lbs
Length / Width / Height 4,420 mm (174 in) / 2,146 mm (84.5 in) / 965 mm (38 in)
Wheelbase / Track (fr/r) 2,743 mm (108 in) / 1,730 mm (68.1 in) / 1,630 mm (64.2 in)

Performance figures
Power to weight 0.79 bhp / kg

Race history
Major wins
1978 Belgian Grand Prix (Mario Andretti in 79/2)
1978 Spanish Grand Prix (Mario Andretti in 79/3)
1978 French Grand Prix (Mario Andretti in 79/3)
1978 German Grand Prix (Mario Andretti in 79/3)
1978 Austrian Grand Prix (Ronnie Peterson in 79/2)
1978 Dutch Grand Prix (Mario Andretti in 79/4)

Auctions
Past sales

Resources
Suggested reading
  • The Lotus Book S2, by William Taylor
Related articles
Useful links

  Article Image gallery (75) Chassis (3) Specifications User Comments (1)