Lotus 102
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| Category | Formula One | ||||||||||
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| Constructor | Lotus | ||||||||||
| Designer(s) | Frank Dernie | ||||||||||
| Predecessor | 101 | ||||||||||
| Successor | 107 | ||||||||||
| Technical specifications | |||||||||||
| Chassis | Carbon fibre monocoque | ||||||||||
| Suspension (front) | Double wishbones, pull-rod dampers | ||||||||||
| Suspension (rear) | Double wishbones, push-rod dampers | ||||||||||
| Engine |
1990: Lamborghini 3512, 3,496 cc (213.3 cu in), mid-engine, longitudinally mounted, NA 80° V12 1991: Judd EV, 3,496 cc (213.3 cu in), mid-engine, longitudinally mounted, NA 76° V8 1992: Ford HB, 3,494 cc (213.2 cu in), mid-engine, longitudinally mounted, 75° NA V8 |
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| Transmission | Lotus / Lamborghini 6 speed manual | ||||||||||
| Fuel | BP | ||||||||||
| Tyres | Goodyear | ||||||||||
| Competition history | |||||||||||
| Notable entrants | Team Lotus | ||||||||||
| Notable drivers |
 Derek Warwick Martin Donnelly Johnny Herbert Mika Häkkinen Julian Bailey Michael Bartels
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| Debut | 1990 United States Grand Prix | ||||||||||
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| Constructors' Championships | 0 | ||||||||||
| Drivers' Championships | 0 | ||||||||||
The Lotus 102 was a Formula One racing car designed by Lotus for use in the 1990 Formula One season. The 102 was an evolution of the Lotus 101 and would eventually go on to compete in 37 races spanning three seasons from 1990 until 1992.
Using the 101 as its basis Frank Dernie incorporated the 640 bhp (477 kW; 649 PS) Lamborghini V12 engine that had been used by the Larrousse Lola team during 1989. Its use made the 102 the only Lotus to race with a V12 engine. The engine had several drawbacks, principally its size, weight and fuel economy. However, it was believed that the increases in power would offset these drawbacks. The engine's size meant it had to be located lower in the chassis, which also had to be designed to its widest permitted dimensions in order to incorporate larger fuel tanks. Furthermore, due to the engine's mass every component on the car had to be scrutinised to investigate whether any further weight reductions could be made elsewhere.
The departure of Nelson Piquet to Benetton and Satoru Nakajima to Tyrrell at the end of 1989 brought in the experienced Derek Warwick, and promoted test driver Martin Donnelly to fill the other vacant drivers seat. The inclusion of these drivers, who were taller than Piquet and Nakajima, incurred another design compromise as the car had to be taller than was desired.
Team Lotus's manager Rupert Mainwarring confidently predicted that the team would score 40 championship points. By the first round of the championship it was apparent that this confidence was sadly misplaced.
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