Clearly Chapman bit more than he could chew with this turbine business. If the 72 had been developed in a more traditional way, using the DFV engine, especially because in 1971 Lotus still had the Firestone low profile tyre contract, it is likely Fittipaldi would have had a much better season, perhaps even challenging Stewart for the title as he did the following year. The 72 was a huge quantum leap in 1970, and it was a most longevous car, lasting an amazing 5 seasons, so, there was no need, early in its development, to try to put an airplane turbine to make it even more "advanced", for it was already potentially faster than the other cars. In the end of the day, that turbine was only a huge setback for Lotus.
Good to hear from you Beaky.
Clearly Chapman bit more than he could chew with this turbine business. If the 72 had been developed in a more traditional way, using the DFV engine, especially because in 1971 Lotus still had the Firestone low profile tyre contract, it is likely Fittipaldi would have had a much better season, perhaps even challenging Stewart for the title as he did the following year. The 72 was a huge quantum leap in 1970, and it was a most longevous car, lasting an amazing 5 seasons, so, there was no need, early in its development, to try to put an airplane turbine to make it even more "advanced", for it was already potentially faster than the other cars. In the end of the day, that turbine was only a huge setback for Lotus.