More than 60 years after the original Lola T70 first redefined motorsport engineering, a new chapter has begun with the launch of the Lola T70S, a modern interpretation of the 1964 icon built for a lower-carbon future.
At the heart of the project is CODEM Composites, which manufactured the T70S body panels using Lola’s patent-pending Lola Natural Composite System (LNCS), a world-first, 100% natural, petrochemical-free composite solution.
Developed to preserve the legendary design and performance characteristics of Eric Broadley’s original T70, the challenge was clear: reduce environmental impact without compromising authenticity, strength, or drivability.
The result is a lightweight, high-performance composite system combining flax fibres, basalt fibres, and a fully plant-based resin system. CODEM manufactured the bodywork using advanced lay-up and curing techniques, alongside innovative sustainable tooling solutions and full ESG emissions tracking throughout production.
Performance testing has shown the LNCS panels deliver greater stiffness and tensile strength than traditional GRP composites, alongside improved impact resistance and enhanced vibration damping characteristics.
Most significantly, the T70S programme achieved a 54% reduction in total vehicle carbon footprint — saving 5,546 kg CO₂e per vehicle compared with conventional equivalent manufacturing methods.
The project demonstrates how heritage motorsport design and advanced sustainable engineering can work together, setting a new benchmark for low-impact composite manufacturing in the automotive sector.
Rochelle Helliwell commented: “The Lola T70S project demonstrates that sustainable composites can successfully combine environmental responsibility with exceptional engineering performance. It represents a major step forward in showing how innovation, heritage and sustainability can work together within high-performance automotive manufacturing.”
