&sq=&lang=&file=File:Davide_Valsecchi_2011_Malaysia_FP1_2.jpg) Davide Valsecchi driving the T128 during the practice session at 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix | |||||||||||
| Category | Formula One | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constructor | Lotus | ||||||||||
| Designer(s) | Mike Gascoyne (Chief Technical Officer) Dieter Gass (Deputy Technical Director) Lewis Butler (Chief Designer) Frank Ramowsky (Head of R&D) Elliot Dason-Barber (Head of Vehicle Dynamics) Marianne Hinson (Head of Aerodynamics) | ||||||||||
| Predecessor | Lotus T127 | ||||||||||
| Successor | Caterham CT01 | ||||||||||
| Technical specifications | |||||||||||
| Chassis | carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite monocoque | ||||||||||
| Suspension (front) | carbon-fibre | ||||||||||
| Suspension (rear) | carbon-fibre | ||||||||||
| Engine | Renault RS27-2011 2,400 cc (146.5 cu in) 90° V8, limited to 18,000 RPM naturally aspirated, mid-mounted | ||||||||||
| Transmission | Red Bull Technologies Seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox with reverse gear | ||||||||||
| Weight | 640 kg (1,411 lb) (including driver) | ||||||||||
| Fuel | Total | ||||||||||
| Tyres | Pirelli P Zero BBS Wheels (front and rear): 13" | ||||||||||
| Competition history | |||||||||||
| Notable entrants | Team Lotus | ||||||||||
| Notable drivers | 20.  Heikki Kovalainen 21.  Jarno Trulli 21.  Karun Chandhok | ||||||||||
| Debut | 2011 Australian Grand Prix | ||||||||||
| Last event | 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix | ||||||||||
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The Lotus T128,[1] known prior to its launch by its project number TL11, is a Formula One motor racing car designed by Mike Gascoyne, Lewis Butler and Marianne Hinson for Team Lotus in the 2011 Formula One season. 2011 saw the car abandon its Cosworth engine in favour of one developed by Renault. The T128 was launched online on 31 January 2011.[2] Team Lotus retained an unchanged driver lineup in 2011, with 2010 drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli racing the T128. It was confirmed that the team would start the season without the Kinetic Energy Recovery System, but senior figures suggested they would adopt it if the car proved successful,[3] however the team continued for the rest of the 2011 season without KERS. The team changed from the Cosworth CA2010 engine used in 2010 to the Renault RS27 series, as well as exchanging a transmission developed by X-Trac to one built by Red Bull Technologies. The design of the T128 also incorporated a "bladed" rollbar similar to the one developed by Mercedes in 2010, but thicker and with sturdier air intakes to conform with FIA regulations.
- ^ Beer, Matt (31 January 2011). "Team Lotus unveils the new T128". Autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 31 January 2011.
- ^ Noble, Jonathan (25 January 2011). "Lotus to unveil new car online". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 25 January 2011.
- ^ Beer, Matt (31 January 2011). "Lotus to start season without KERS". Autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 31 January 2011.