Lotus 96T

The Lotus type 96T was the last Indycar of Team Lotus, a project proposed by former Formula 2 team owner Roy Winkelmann, who wanted a bespoke chassis for the CART series instead of an off-the-shelf March or Lola. Cosworth had given assurances of works engines, and Team Lotus designer Gérard Ducarouge, helped by Mike Coughlan, drew a car whose tub, lines and suspension resembled the Lotus 95T Formula One car. Its main change was a lightweight aluminium-foil honeycomb filling between the carbon and Kevlar skins, which added strength at no cost in weight and set the pattern for later Lotus Formula One chassis. The CART establishment showed little enthusiasm for a works team, sponsorship never came, and only one prototype was built; it now belongs to Classic Team Lotus.