During 1983, Lotus found it necessary to quickly replace the 93T, which was not very competitive. For the summer, Gérard Ducarouge, who came to lend a hand, designed the 94T, starting from the chassis of the 91. Equipped with a Renault turbo engine like the 93T, the Lotus 94T proved much more effective and already at its debut it was fourth at Silverstone with Mansell. Mansell then also took third place at the European GP at Brands Hatch in the season finale.