Ferrari’s Technological Innovations Part 11: The 312 T Revolution by Mauro Forghieri

The 312 T revolution had an unusual and unexpected genesis: in 1973, Enzo Ferrari faced severe health problems. With Ferrari unable to make decisions and concerned about the modest Formula 1 performance in those years, new partner Fiat assigned Sandro Colombo, an engineer from Turin, to lead the Racing Department (known in Ferrari as Gestione Sportiva).

The historic and brilliant technical director Mauro Forghieri was appointed head of a new division located outside the factory in a modest space at the Fiorano track, called the Research Office. His responsibility was research, calculations, and the design of future cars.

Mauro Forghieri in the pits with drivers Clay Regazzoni and Niki Lauda, along with racing team manager Luca Cordero di Montezemolo.

Those unfamiliar with Forghieri perceived this as a form of sidelining. But Mauro, whom we knew well, approached the task by designing a completely revolutionary car. Starting with studies on the contribution of the car's underbody to aerodynamic efficiency and the idea of shortening the car's wheelbase by mounting the gearbox transversely to make it more agile and direct, he created an unbeatable car.

While Forghieri developed this innovative car for an undefined future purpose, the 1973 World Championship began disastrously for Ferrari. Fortunately, Enzo Ferrari regained his health and clarity during this time. Without hesitation, he asked Forghieri to salvage the situation.

Mauro Forghieri’s studies led to various developments in Ferrari’s Formula 1 cars, culminating in the 312 T of 1975, which won the championship with Niki Lauda.

Incorporating some concepts from the future T, such as side radiators, a wide front wing, and a different engine air intake, the car began yielding acceptable results by mid-season. However, it was time to think about the 1974 car. Building on the positive signals and Forghieri’s studies for the future T, the Ferrari B3/74 was born.

Only the monocoque remained from the previous car, but the new vehicle, designed for new drivers Niki Lauda and Clay Regazzoni, showed promise compared to the 1975 debut model. It nearly clinched the world title, losing it in the final race in Canada. Interestingly, the 312 B3/74 already closely resembled the future 312 T in appearance.

Aerodynamic efficiency and the transversely mounted gearbox to shorten the car’s wheelbase were two features that made the Ferrari 312 T successful.

The concepts introduced by Forghieri, including a new aerodynamic approach, a completely new chassis, the transverse gearbox (also advantageous for quick gear changes), and the flat V12 engine, completed the revolution. Among Ferrari’s innovations with the 312 T was the introduction of wheel fairings in 1976 on the 312 T2 to improve aerodynamics. The front fairings, mounted on hubs, rotated with the wheels. Although promising, the International Federation banned this solution, deeming it contrary to regulations prohibiting "movable aerodynamic devices."

The Ferrari T cars' lifecycle, from 1975 to 1979, brought seven world titles to Maranello—four constructors’ and three drivers’ titles, including two for Niki Lauda (potentially three if not for his horrific Nürburgring crash) and one for Jody Scheckter.

Front wheel fairings on the 312 T2, a promising aerodynamic innovation later banned by the International Federation.