Lotus Innovations

Inventor of Chapman strut rear suspension. Later used on front suspension on many cars as 'Macpherson Strut'

First racing cars to use a full monocoque chassis.  This system is now used on almost all cars produced.

First to use composites for car construction

First to race gas turbine engines

First to race four wheel drive, now common on many road cars

Invented the concept of 'ground effect' aerodynamics for racing cars.

First to use backbone monocoque design for road cars.

First to offer a mass produced 16 valve DOHC 4 cylinder engine.

Invented mid chassis side pod radiators for Formula 1 use. All racing teams now use them.

First to develop a fully active computer controlled suspension system.

First to use concealed headlights on a road car.

Invented interactive wishbone suspension to eliminate torque steer on FWD cars.

First to develop effective noise cancellation systems

First to use epoxy bonded extruded aluminium sections.