The return of the legendary Lola T70 racer is a fascinating development, especially with its sustainable twist. This iconic car, reborn under new ownership, showcases a unique blend of historical reverence and forward-thinking innovation. Personally, I find it intriguing how Lola Cars has managed to strike a delicate balance between preserving the past and embracing the future.
A Racing Legacy Revived
The Lola T70S project is an ambitious endeavor, aiming to recreate the magic of the 1965 Lola T70 racer while also making it accessible to a wider audience. With just 16 units planned, the T70S will be available as a historic track car or a road-legal GT, each with its own unique personality.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the split personality approach. On one hand, you have the track-focused model, designed to compete in historic motorsport, staying true to the original design. On the other, the GT road version, which tackles homologation and emissions, offering a modern driving experience while retaining the DNA of the T70.
Old-School Charm, Modern Engineering
Maintaining the historical racing potential of the T70S required Lola to stay faithful to the original design. They scanned the drawings into CAD, creating a 3D model, and then employed modern manufacturing techniques with sustainable materials. This blend of old and new is a testament to Lola's commitment to preserving the car's character while making it more environmentally conscious.
The race T70S packs a punch with its 5-liter Chevrolet small-block V8, hitting 60 mph in an impressive 2.5 seconds. The road-oriented GT, with a larger 6.2-liter engine, offers a slightly more relaxed yet still exhilarating drive. Both versions exceed 200 mph, a testament to the engineering prowess of Lola.
Sustainability at the Forefront
Where the Lola T70S truly shines is in its sustainability efforts. The car utilizes aluminum and steel with high recycled content, but it's the innovative use of magnesium that stands out. Lola has developed a process to extract magnesium from saltwater using solar-powered electrolysis, significantly reducing the carbon footprint.
The bodywork of the T70S is also a marvel. Lola has created a natural composite system, derived from sugar cane, basalt, and flax, which has a 20 times lower carbon footprint than traditional carbon fiber. This system, the Lola Natural Composite System (LNCS), is a patented process that Lola believes will revolutionize sustainable automotive components.
Keeping the Experience Intact
Despite the focus on sustainability and modern engineering, Lola has ensured that the driving experience remains true to the T70's legacy. The H-pattern gearbox, a hallmark of the original, has been cleverly reproduced for the GT road car, providing an authentic feel while ensuring driver safety.
The T70S development team, including former Formula 1 racer Johnny Herbert, has worked tirelessly to ensure that the car's soul remains intact. The result is a modern, sustainable vehicle that still delivers the ferociously quick and gripping performance that made the T70 a legend.
The Future of Lola Cars
The success of the T70S project has opened up new avenues for Lola Cars. With sales reportedly going well, Lola is considering expanding its road car offerings, potentially drawing inspiration from GT3 and GT4 racing. The company is also open to collaborations with other manufacturers, offering its expertise in sustainable supply chain technology and engineering.
The T70S is more than just a recreation of a legendary racer. It's a testament to Lola's commitment to sustainability and its vision for the future of automotive engineering. As Lola continues to innovate, the lessons learned from this project will undoubtedly shape the future of the brand, making it a surprisingly important step in their journey.
