The legendary British chassis manufacturer Lola is making a bold comeback, blending racing heritage with modern environmental consciousness. Led by three-time Formula 1 winner Johnny Herbert, a new look at the Lola T70S reveals that this revival isn’t just about nostalgia—it is a fundamental shift in how high-performance cars are built.
A Legacy Reborn
Lola has long been a titan of motorsport, providing the winning chassis for major automakers at prestigious races like Le Mans, Daytona, and Indianapolis. Despite its storied history, the company faced a period of instability, eventually declaring bankruptcy in 2012. Following a revival in 2022, Lola is reclaiming its position in the spotlight with the T70S, a modern reimagining of one of its most iconic sports racers.
Sustainability Meets High Performance
While the original T70 relied on fiberglass, the new T70S marks a departure from traditional composite manufacturing. In an era where the environmental impact of carbon fiber—which is notoriously difficult to recycle—is under increasing scrutiny, Lola has pivoted toward “natural fiber” bodywork.
Key technical highlights include:
– Advanced Composites: The bodywork utilizes natural fibers that provide a darker, carbon-like aesthetic while being both lighter and stronger than the fiberglass used in the original model.
– Eco-conscious Protection: Even the protective coatings are innovative; a “sea salt residue” based coating is used to shield magnesium suspension components from the elements.
– Material Innovation: By moving away from standard carbon fiber, Lola is addressing the growing industry trend of reducing the ecological footprint of high-end manufacturing without sacrificing structural integrity.
Road vs. Track: Two Versions of an Icon
Visually, the T70S remains remarkably faithful to its predecessor, maintaining the classic silhouette that made the original a racing legend. However, the internal configuration will differ based on how the driver intends to use the car. Lola plans to offer two distinct variants:
- The Road Car: Featuring a luxury-focused interior trimmed with suede and premium materials, designed for driver comfort and aesthetics.
- The Track Car: A stripped-back, performance-oriented version built for the rigors of the circuit.
The Verdict
While specific pricing and availability remain unannounced, the T70S represents more than just a “retro” project. It is a statement of intent from a brand proving that classic racing DNA can coexist with the sustainability demands of the 21st century.
The T70S attempts to bridge the gap between the raw, mechanical soul of the 1960s and the eco-conscious engineering requirements of the modern era.
