British racing icon Lola has resurrected its legendary T70, not as a mere retro revival, but as a high-performance road-legal supercar. The T70S GT reimagines the classic Mk3B—which dominated the 1969 Daytona 24 Hours—with modern engineering and a surprising commitment to sustainable materials.
Power and Performance
At the heart of the T70S GT lies a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter Chevrolet V8 engine, delivering 500 bhp. This is paired with a six-speed Hewland manual gearbox, which can be switched to sequential mode for track use, similar to Koenigsegg’s innovative CC850 system. The car’s lightweight aluminum chassis contributes to an impressive dry weight of just 890 kg, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 562 bhp per tonne.
Performance figures are striking: 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds, with 124 mph reached in just 6.4 seconds. This places it firmly among mainstream supercar rivals like the Lamborghini Revuelto in terms of raw speed. Double-wishbone suspension with adjustable coilovers ensures optimal handling on both road and track.
Track-Focused Variant
For purists, Lola also offers the T70S, a track-only version. It retains the original car’s 5.0-liter Chevrolet V8 (530 bhp) and five-speed Hewland gearbox. Weighing only 860 kg, its power-to-weight ratio climbs to 616 bhp per tonne, enabling a 0-62 mph sprint in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 203 mph.
“The track car is identical to the original,” Lola chairman Till Bechtolsheimer confirms. “Every race version will be FIA-compliant and eligible for historic racing.”
Sustainable Materials: A New Approach
Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of the T70S GT is its construction. Lola has developed a composite body material from plant waste and basalt rock, bound with sugarcane-based resin instead of traditional petrochemical glues. The company claims this new material is stronger than fiberglass and offers superior refinement over carbon fiber.
This choice isn’t about compromising performance; it’s a deliberate step towards sustainability. Bechtolsheimer emphasized, “It won’t impact the car’s performance but will massively impact the sustainability of its build.”
The revival of the Lola T70 represents a rare blend of racing pedigree, modern engineering, and forward-thinking material science. The company demonstrates that high-performance vehicles can embrace both speed and environmental responsibility.
