Lotus engineer Colin Chapman's team tackled a major problem in F1 aerodynamics and suspension. At the time, cars used ground effect aerodynamics, sucking the car closer to the track to massively boost downforce. But this required running ultra-stiff suspension to keep the car's floor just millimeters off the ground. Too soft, and the car’s aerodynamic seal would break, causing sudden loss of downforce and likely a crash.
Chapman's insight was genius: instead of forcing one chassis to handle both the stiff aerodynamic platform and the comfortable mechanical suspension, why not build two? The Lotus Type 88 had two separate chassis working in unison. The inner chassis held the driver, engine, and gearbox, sitting on a softer suspension for ride comfort and better mechanical grip. The outer chassis carried the aero elements—bodywork, wings, and the ground effect floor—kept on incredibly stiff springs, following the track surface perfectly with minimal movement.
This 'dual chassis' concept meant the aerodynamic parts could maintain their optimal position for maximum downforce without subjecting the driver to punishing vibrations or compromising handling. The outer chassis was even linked to the suspension so that the massive aerodynamic loads transmitted directly through the wheels to the track, locking the aero shell to the upright and preserving perfect ride height.
However, this ingenious solution pushed regulatory boundaries. F1 rules required aerodynamic devices to be sprung, and Lotus argued their design complied because the outer chassis was sprung with gas struts—but it was unlike anything the sport had seen before. Rival teams quickly protested, fearing the radical design gave Lotus an unfair advantage that couldn't be matched or controlled.
Ultimately, the Lotus Type 88 was banned before it ever got to race, but its design remains one of the boldest and most brilliant concepts in F1 history. It highlighted how struggling with the physics of load transfer, suspension, and aerodynamics inspired one of the most innovative engineering solutions the sport has ever seen—so ahead of its time that modern F1 concepts still echo it.