Designed by Dave Kelly, the car was equipped with a 530-hp Ford Cosworth DFY V8 powertrain with 390 N⋅m (290 lb⋅ft) of torque, which drove the rear wheels through a five-speed Hewland FGA manual gearbox. The chassis frame, an evolution of that of the March 821, was of the aluminum monocoque type, while the braking system was composed of four ventilated disc brakes. The suspension consisted of double wishbones and shock absorbers with coil springs.[2]