The arrow-like Brabham BT52 is a car I have always loved. Especially because this was the first time Gordon Murray introduced strategic pit stops, starting with only 10 liters of fuel to demoralize the rest of the field (Alain Prost) at the start. The car ran on Michelin tyres and was powered by the BMW M12/13 four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which in 1983 produced a maximum power of approximately 1,280 bhp (950 kW) in qualifying trim, detuned to around 850 bhp (630 kW) for the proper races. Its drivers were 1981 World Champion Nelson Piquet and Riccardo Patrese.

The last of the Lotus turbo cars and the last of Gérard Ducarouges and Martin Ogilvies designs for Lotus. Although the car was highly disappointing, with only 3 third places for reigning world champion Nelson Piquet who ultimately ended up in sixth place with 22 points in defense of his title, picking up third places in Brazil, San Marino and Australia. Nakajima finished 16th in the Drivers' Championship with one point from his sixth place at the opening race in Brazil. Lotus finished fourth in the Constructors' Championship with 23 points, a massive 176 behind McLaren.