Lola T70S Revives 1960s Racing Icon with Modern Sustainable Twist
In a stunning revival of motorsport history, the legendary Lola T70 is making a dramatic comeback as the new Lola T70S. Unveiled at the prestigious RAC Club in London, this recreation of the 1969 Daytona-winning T70 Mk3B offers buyers a choice between race-ready and road-legal versions, blending vintage racing pedigree with cutting-edge technology and sustainable materials.
Heritage Meets Innovation in Design and Engineering
The original Lola T70 dominated the inaugural Can-Am Championship in 1966, securing victories in iconic events like the Daytona 24 Hours and RAC Tourist Trophy. Piloted by racing legends such as John Surtees, Jackie Stewart, Mario Andretti, Denny Hulme, and Graham Hill, its legacy is now reborn. Lola chairman Till Bechtolsheimer explained, "We aimed to create the best T70 ever, with a level of detail impossible in the original car." While based on original blueprints, the T70S incorporates modern advancements, including a groundbreaking sustainable composite called LNCS, which uses basalt and plant fibers for bodywork, reducing CO2 emissions by 54% compared to the classic model.
Power and Performance: Chevy V8 Engines for Thrilling Drives
Despite Lola's involvement in Formula E with Yamaha, the T70S eschews electrification in favor of traditional combustion power. The racing variant features a small-block Chevrolet V8 engine, delivering 537 horsepower and revving to 7,300 rpm, achieving 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 203 mph. For the road-going T70S GT, a 6.2-liter Chevy V8 produces 507 horsepower with a 6,600 rpm limiter, weighing 30 kg more but still offering savage performance: 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds and a 200 mph flat-out speed. Both versions utilize an H-pattern manual gearbox with dog-ring engagement and shift-by-wire electronics, designed to provide visceral shifts akin to the 1960s original but with enhanced reliability.
Accessibility and Dynamic Setup by Racing Veteran Johnny Herbert
Enhancing driver accessibility, the T70S interior is trimmed in Alcantara and includes practical features like luggage space for an overnight bag or crash helmet, along with a built-in intercom. Former F1 driver and Le Mans winner Johnny Herbert, who tested the car, praised its dynamics: "You get wonderful feedback through the steering wheel; the response is exactly what I want, offering a beautiful connection with the car." This setup ensures that the driving experience remains engaging and intuitive, even for modern enthusiasts.
Sustainability at the Core: Eco-Friendly Manufacturing and Limited Production
The 'S' in T70S stands for Sustainability, reflecting Lola's commitment to eco-conscious design. Beyond the LNCS composite, the company employs solar-powered electrolysis to extract magnesium for wheels and ensures the V8 engine can run on sustainable fuel. Only 16 units will be produced, mirroring the original T70 Mk3B production run, with prices expected to approach seven figures, similar to a classic race-ready model. Technical director Peter McCool noted, "Driving a Lola T70S offers a chance to experience the past and future of motorsport simultaneously." The track version comes with an FIA Historic Technical Passport for international racing, while the road variant allows for the unique experience of piloting a reborn racer on public streets.
