The 312 T4 was introduced in 1979 at the South African Grand Prix and was closely based on the 312 T3. Forghieri wanted to follow Lotus with a ground-effect car, but the wide flat engine prevented the monocoque from being made as narrow as needed; as a result, the T4 remained more of a wing car along the lines of the Lotus 78. It proved exceptionally reliable and won six races in 1979, three each by Villeneuve and Scheckter. Ferrari thus clinched its fourth Constructors' title in five seasons, and Scheckter became World Champion.
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Learn moreGround effect without a ground-effect chassis · Success and legacy
Ground effect without a ground-effect chassis
By 1979, aerodynamics had advanced significantly, and Forghieri realized he had to follow Lotus and construct a ground-effect car. Because the T series had never been designed for this, its lineage constrained the aerodynamic design. The monocoque was made as narrow as possible, but the flat-12 engine protruded into the area where the upswept underbody should have been. As a result, the T4 remained a wing car similar to the Lotus 78.
Success and legacy
With six victories in 1979, three each by Villeneuve and Scheckter, along with several solid finishes, Ferrari clinched its fourth Constructors' title in five seasons; for Scheckter, it remained his only Drivers' Championship. He kept his championship-winning car and later drove it again at special events before putting it up for auction.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
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