The Return of a Racing Titan: The Lola T70S Explained
Good grief! This is exactly the kind of news that makes a Tuesday feel like a podium finish at Daytona. Lola, the legendary British racing marque that once stood toe-to-toe with Ferrari and Ford, has officially announced its return to the tarmac with the Lola T70S. This isn’t just a museum piece or a track-only plaything for the ultra-wealthy; it is a meticulously engineered “continuation” project that aims to bring the fire-spitting soul of 1960s Can-Am racing to the public highway. In an era dominated by silent electric hypercars and clinical efficiency, the prospect of a 200mph, V8-powered prototype with number plates is nothing short of heroic.
The Lola T70S: A 500bhp V8 Legend Made Legal for the Road
The headline act here is the T70S GT, the road-going variant of the 16 planned units. While many continuation cars from rival brands—think the Bentley Blower or the Jaguar C-Type—are often restricted to private tracks, the Lola T70S GT has been designed for the road. Underneath that iconic “McQueen-era” bodywork sits a 6.2-litre Chevrolet V8 producing a healthy 500bhp and 455lb ft of torque.
When you consider the car weighs a mere 890kg (dry), the power-to-weight ratio enters the realm of modern supercars. Shifting is handled via a Hewland six-speed manual gearbox, ensuring that the “uncompromising relationship between driver and machine” remains the core focus. According to Lola, the GT version will hit a top speed of 200mph, with Formula 1 legend Johnny Herbert serving as the official test driver to ensure the chassis dynamics are as sharp as they were in 1969.
Sustainable Speed: Volcanic Rock and Sugar Cane
Perhaps the most surprising element of the Lola T70S is its commitment to the future. While the heart is a traditional V8, the skin is pure 21st-century innovation. Lola has ditched traditional fiberglass in favor of their patent-pending “Lola Natural Composite System” (LNCS). This material utilizes plant fibers, basalt fibers derived from volcanic rock, and a resin synthesized from sugar cane waste.
It’s a fascinating pivot for a brand that is also making waves with Lola’s recent pivot toward Formula E alongside Yamaha. By proving that sustainable materials can survive the rigors of a 200mph sports prototype, Lola is positioning itself at the intersection of heritage and high-tech manufacturing. As we’ve seen with other boutique manufacturers covered by TopGear.com, the market for “analogue” experiences built with modern precision is booming.
The Pure Racer: FIA Specs and 0-62mph in 2.5 Seconds
For those who prefer their adrenaline without the constraints of traffic lights, the race-spec Lola T70S is a different beast entirely. It comes equipped with an FIA Historic Technical Passport, making it eligible for the world’s most prestigious vintage racing events. This version uses a period-correct 5.0-litre Chevrolet small-block V8, pushing out 530bhp.
Without the creature comforts of the road car—which include Alcantara trim and air conditioning—the race version tips the scales at just 860kg. The result? A 0-62mph sprint in a staggering 2.5 seconds. It’s a visceral reminder of why the T70 was the car to beat in the mid-60s, famously carrying John Surtees to the inaugural Can-Am title in 1966. For more on the history of these “fire-spitting” monsters, Car and Driver has an extensive archive on the original Can-Am series.
Why the Lola T70S Matters in 2025
The automotive landscape is currently obsessed with “continuation” cars. From the MotorTrend-celebrated Shelby Cobras to the multi-million dollar Aston Martin DB4 GTs, manufacturers are realizing that their history is their most valuable asset. However, the Lola T70S feels different. It isn’t just a carbon copy; it’s a “refined” recreation.
By using original archive drawings and 3D scans of the Mk3B, Lola is ensuring total authenticity while utilizing modern manufacturing tolerances that the engineers of the 60s could only dream of. As noted by Jalopnik in previous discussions on the “new-old car” trend, the appeal lies in the lack of digital interference. There are no screens, no lane-keep assist, and no hybrid batteries—just a V8, a manual stick, and a very loud exhaust.
AI Generated Image: Interior shot of the T70S GT, showing the exposed aluminum monocoque, Alcantara-wrapped seats, and the gated manual shifter.
Lola Cars, now under the stewardship of Brit racer Till Bechtolsheimer, is clearly a brand on the rise. After the company went out of business in 2012, many feared the name would be lost to history. Instead, with a dual-pronged approach of high-tech Formula E racing and this stunning V8 continuation project, Lola is proving that you can indeed look forward and backward at the same time. Only 16 of these masterpieces will be built, and if history is any indication, they will be snapped up by collectors faster than a T70 down the Mulsanne Straight.
