The Lola T70S: A Sustainable Revival of Racing Heritage
There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing a legendary car like the Lola T70 reborn, not just as a nostalgic relic, but as a forward-thinking, sustainable masterpiece. Personally, I think this is more than just a car—it’s a statement. It’s a bold declaration that heritage and innovation can coexist, and that the future of racing doesn’t have to sacrifice its soul for sustainability.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Lola has managed to preserve the essence of the T70 while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in modern engineering. The T70S isn’t just a remake; it’s a reimagining. It’s a car that honors its past while daring to redefine its future. And in an era where electrification and sustainability are often seen as buzzwords, Lola has actually delivered something tangible—a car that’s both a tribute and a trailblazer.
The Dual Personality of the T70S
One thing that immediately stands out is Lola’s decision to build two versions of the T70S: a track-focused racer and a road-legal GT. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it’s a strategic move to appeal to both purists and enthusiasts who want to experience the T70 in different ways. What many people don’t realize is that this duality reflects a deeper trend in the automotive world—the blurring of lines between race cars and road cars.
From my perspective, this split personality is a masterstroke. The track car, with its Historical Technical Passport (HTP) eligibility, ensures that the T70S can compete in historic motorsport, keeping the legacy alive. Meanwhile, the GT version opens up the T70 experience to a broader audience, tackling the challenges of homologation and emissions head-on. It’s a win-win, and it shows Lola’s commitment to making the T70 accessible without compromising its DNA.
Modern Engineering Meets Timeless Design
If you take a step back and think about it, the T70S is a marvel of modern engineering cloaked in a timeless design. Lola didn’t just dust off the old blueprints; they scanned them into CAD, creating a 3D model that allowed for precision manufacturing. But here’s the kicker: they didn’t stop at precision. They went for sustainability.
The use of recycled materials, solar-powered magnesium extraction, and the Lola Natural Composite System (LNCS) for the bodywork are game-changers. What this really suggests is that sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing performance. The LNCS, for instance, has a carbon footprint 20 times lower than traditional carbon fiber, yet it’s stiffer and more durable. This raises a deeper question: why aren’t more manufacturers adopting these innovations?
A detail that I find especially interesting is the H-pattern gearbox in the GT version. It’s a nod to the past, but it’s actually a modern, by-wire system that prevents driver errors. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, ensuring that the T70S feels authentic while being safer and more accessible.
Sustainability as a Core Philosophy
What sets the T70S apart isn’t just its sustainable materials—it’s the philosophy behind them. Lola didn’t just slap on a few eco-friendly components; they reimagined the entire supply chain. The software that calculates the carbon footprint of every component is a prime example. It’s not just about reducing emissions; it’s about transparency and accountability.
This approach has broader implications. If Lola can audit its supply chain and select suppliers based on their emissions data, why can’t larger manufacturers do the same? In my opinion, this is where the T70S becomes more than a car—it becomes a blueprint for the industry. It’s a proof of concept that sustainability can be integrated into every aspect of production, from materials to manufacturing processes.
The Soul of the T70, Reimagined
Driving the T70S, as former F1 racer Johnny Herbert demonstrated, is an experience that transcends time. It’s ferociously quick, with a V8 that roars like a beast, yet it feels modern in its handling and grip. But what’s truly remarkable is how Lola has preserved the soul of the T70 while making it safer and more reliable.
The road car, in particular, is a testament to this balance. It doesn’t have ABS or traction control, but it does have systems that prevent catastrophic mistakes. It’s a car that respects its heritage while acknowledging the realities of modern driving. This raises a deeper question: can other manufacturers strike this balance, or will they continue to prioritize technology over tradition?
The Future of Lola: Beyond the T70S
The T70S is just the beginning. With only 16 build slots available, it’s a limited edition, but its impact could be far-reaching. Lola’s expertise in sustainable materials and engineering could be licensed to other manufacturers, and its heritage projects could expand to include other iconic models.
What this really suggests is that Lola isn’t just reviving its past—it’s building its future. The T70S is a testbed for innovations that could find their way into both race and road cars. And with Formula E and potential collaborations with OEMs on the horizon, Lola is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable performance.
Final Thoughts
The Lola T70S is more than a car; it’s a manifesto. It’s a reminder that innovation and heritage can coexist, and that sustainability doesn’t have to come at the expense of performance or passion. Personally, I think it’s one of the most exciting projects in the automotive world right now, not just because of what it is, but because of what it represents.
If you take a step back and think about it, the T70S is a bridge between the past and the future. It’s a car that honors its roots while daring to dream of what’s next. And in a world where the automotive industry is at a crossroads, that’s exactly what we need.
