The Lotus type 102B (Japanese: ロータス タイプ 102B, Rōtasu Taipu Ichimaruni-Bī) is a Mini-F car released by Tamiya in December 1991. It is the first car in the Mini-F series.
It was based on the Lotus 102B Formula One car that was used in the 1991 Formula One World Championship season. Specifically, the one during the Japan Grand Prix.
General info[]
The 102B features the low-height, open-wheel body design that is mostly shared with other Mini-F cars that were based on Formula One cars. The bodyshell has the non-removable driver figurine.
The bodyshell is mainly white with green highlights. Various sponsors, including Good Year, Yellow Hat, BP, Phenix, Komatsu, Nichibutsu and of course, Tamiya, can be found on the bodyshell.
It was equipped with the gun metal, medium diameter Mini-F wheels paired with the Mini-F slick tires.
About the Lotus 102B[]
The Lotus 102B was Team Lotus's Formula One car for the the 1991 season. While almost completely redesigned with about 800 new components made into the car, it was not much different from the 102 and as a result, it didn't get the new type designation.
The 102B features the carbon fiber monocoque chassis, being supported by the 4-wheel independent double wishbones suspension with push-rod dampers. The car is powered by a Judd EV 3.5 liter V8 engine, replacing the unreliable Lamborghini engine used in the previous season. The engine was mated to a Lotus-made 6-speed manual gearbox, which sends torque to the rear wheels.
Although it was mostly redesigned, it is still not up to the quality standard and in one instance, the steering wheel of the 102B driven by Mika Häkkinen came off during the race. The quality control issue also prompted Julian Bailey to departs from Team Lotus after he failed to quality in Monaco Grand Prix, and was replaced by test driver Johnny Herbert for the remainder of the season. In the end, Team Lotus only get 3 points at the end of 1991 season.
Technical info[]
| Variant | Body | Chassis | Wheels | Tires | Motor | Dimensions | Gear |
Standard |
Color: White |
Type: Mini-F |
Size: Medium |
Size: Medium |
Standard |
Length: 165 |
5:1 |
Gallery[]
Boxart[]
