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Lotus 100T: The 1988 Formula 1 car with a Honda turbo engine
The Lotus 100T — a car built for the 1988 Formula 1 season with a Honda turbo engine. This is a race car, not a model designed for road use, so in this article, we'll look at its history, technology, and what to know about such a collectible exhibit.
The Lotus 100T in brief
The Lotus 100T competed in the 1988 Formula 1 World Championship. The car was painted in the yellow 'Camel' livery, and its drivers were Nelson Piquet and Satoru Nakajima.
This was Lotus's final season with Honda engines. The car belongs to the end of the turbo era — turbochargers were banned in Formula 1 in 1989.
The season and what set it apart
The 100T was the successor to the previous 99T, which Ayrton Senna raced in 1987. Unlike the 99T, it did not use active suspension — it reverted to a conventional system.
The 1988 season was dominated by McLaren, but the 100T remained a striking symbol of the Lotus and Honda partnership.
The engine and technology
The car was powered by a Honda 1.5-litre V6 with a turbocharger. Such turbo engines were incredibly powerful at the time, with their output limited by Formula 1 regulations on maximum allowable turbo boost.
The construction features a carbon fibre chassis (monocoque) and rear-wheel drive. This is pure racing technology, with nothing in common with cars designed for road use.
Can you buy a Lotus 100T?
Formula 1 cars are not intended for road use and cannot be registered as regular cars. They are kept in museums, collections, or private garages.
If you come across an offer with this name, thoroughly check whether it is a genuine factory car or a replica, and what documents verify its origin.
Trim levels
This is a race car, so there are no standard trim levels.
1988 m. sezono automobilis
1988A Formula 1 team car with a Honda turbo engine.
- A 1.5-litre V6 turbo engine
- Carbon fibre construction
- Yellow 'Camel' colour
The Lotus 99T and 100T
| 99T | 100T | |
|---|---|---|
| Season | 1987 | 1988 |
| Engine | Honda 1.5-litre V6 turbo | Honda 1.5-litre V6 turbo |
| Suspension | Active | Standard |
| Drivers | Ayrton Senna, Satoru Nakajima | Nelson Piquet, Satoru Nakajima |
The 99T and 100T share a similar lineage but differ by season, suspension setup, and driver lineup.
Pros
- A key part of the turbo era in Formula 1
- Distinctive yellow Camel livery
- Honda turbo engine
- Historical collectible value
Cons
- Not suitable for road use
- Practically unattainable in the regular market
- High risk of replicas and misleading offers
Frequently asked questions
Who drove the Lotus 100T?
In the 1988 season — Nelson Piquet and Satoru Nakajima.
What engine did the 100T have?
Honda 1,5 l V6 turbo engine.
Can the Lotus 100T be registered for road use?
No. It's a race car, not a model intended for road use.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
