Lola Cars has launched the T70S and T70S GT, modern interpretations of the iconic 1960s Lola T70 that combine historical accuracy with sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing.
Originally designed by Eric Broadley in 1965, the Lola T70 dominated the inaugural Can-Am Championship and became a favorite of privateers challenging Ford, Porsche and Ferrari. Its most famous victory came at the 1969 Daytona 24 Hours, where Mark Donohue and Chuck Parsons for Team Penske beat the factory Ford GT40s and Porsche 908s.
The T70S was developed using archival drawings and high-resolution scans of original cars to preserve the design while meeting contemporary engineering standards. Every component has been re-engineered for precision, resulting in a vehicle faithful to the original but benefiting from modern materials and quality control.
Till Bechtolsheimer, chairman, Lola Cars, said, “The T70 is not only one of Lola’s greatest designs, but one of the most iconic racing cars ever built. The T70S represents an entirely unique example of preserving motorsport heritage while advancing sustainable innovation; a car identical to the original fire-spitting, Steve McQueen-era, V8 monster, but refined with advanced manufacturing processes, sustainable materials and an unparalleled attention to detail.”
Limited to 16 cars, the vehicle is available in two versions. The T70S is the competition version, supplied with an FIA Historic Technical Passport. It features a lightweight aluminum monocoque and a 5.0L Chevrolet V8 producing 530bhp and achieving 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 203mph. The T70S GT has been optimized for road and track and has a 6.2L V8 delivering 500bhp, enabling a top speed of 200mph and 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds. Both retain the original car’s driving dynamics, including period-correct suspension and transaxle systems, with subtle refinements for usability.
A key innovation in the development of the new cars is Lola Natural Composite System (LNCS), a patent-pending bodywork solution made from plant and basalt fibers with a renewable resin derived from sugarcane waste. LNCS reduces environmental impact while offering superior tensile strength and impact tolerance compared with conventional composites.
Mishern Chetty, CEO, Lola Cars commented, “The T70S project forms part of Lola’s broader strategic focus on cutting-edge performance technologies. Since 2022, as part of our mission to drive innovation through motorsport, we have invested heavily in the development of advanced materials, powertrain systems and supply chain innovations aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of high-performance vehicles.”
Peter McCool, technical director, Lola Cars, said, “Driving the T70S will be a chance to experience the past and future of motorsport simultaneously. An entirely unique example of groundbreaking innovation in advanced sustainable materials, this project provides a blueprint for the future of historic motoring and motorsport.”
The T70S program demonstrates how legacy and innovation can coexist, combining iconic design and driver-focused performance with advanced sustainable engineering.
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