High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Lotus 76 was a Formula One car designed by Colin Chapman, Tony Rudd and Ralph Bellamy for the 1974 Formula One season. The car was intended to be a more advanced version of the Lotus 72, powered by the Ford Cosworth DFV and featuring modified aerodynamics, a lighter chassis, longer wheelbase and a narrower, lower monocoque, The car also featured a bi-plane rear wing, designed to increase rear downforce and stability. In addition to an electronically operated clutch, which was the precursor to the modern semi automatic gearboxes seen on today`s F1 cars, with the control mounted into the gearstick which theoretically speeded up gearchanges, the Lotus 76 was seen as a major technological breakthrough by Team Lotus. Outwardly, the car looked sleek and impressive. Internally, the suspension set up and inboard brake positioning were carried over from the Lotus 72. The car`s development had been paid for by title sponsor John Player Special, so the 76 was given the chassis number `John Player Special Mk I.`