team lotus made the mid-engine layout popular for indycars. they developed the first monocoque formula one chassis. they also made the engine and transaxle a part of the chassis. a transaxle is a combination of the transmission and rear axle. lotus was also among the first in formula one to add wings and shaping the bottom of the car. this created aerodynamic downforce. they were the first to move radiators to the sides of the car. this improved the aerodynamic performance of the car. team lotus is also considered as the pioneer of the active suspension.