Described by development driver Frank Gardner as "the most sophisticated Formula 5000 to be built so far",[1] the T400 was a completely new design, strikingly different from its T300, T330 and T332 predecessors.

The radiators were mounted in front of the rear wheels, as part of the mandatory deformable structure, so the aerodynamics could be significantly cleaner.

However, the key difference was designer Eric Broadley's adoption of rising rate suspension, with rocker arms and inboard springs, both front and rear.

In the UK, VDS also pressed on and got one of their cars working really well at the end of the season; four wins in the last eight races securing a second F5000 title for Teddy Pilette.

Eventually, the very advanced and complex suspension system was figured out by Lola and updates and chassis setup instructions tamed the beast.