New Lola B12/60 LMP1 has arrived!

Lola today announced the launch of its 2012 LMP1 design – the Lola B12/60 that will compete in the inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship as well as the American Le Mans Series and European Le Mans Series this season.

CAD render of Lola B12/60 LMP1 coupe

Lola is building upon the successful foundations of its double title winning 2011 campaign when it took the ALMS and LMS manufacturers’ crowns. The Lola factory has been working solidly at its technical centre in Huntingdon, UK, to further enhance its LMP1 model for the 2012 season. Extensive development work over the winter in both aerodynamic and mechanical studies has produced a significantly different product for the 2012 season.

Lola Executive Chairman, Martin Birrane commented: "After a detailed aerodynamic development study over the autumn/winter period our LMP1 car has effectively had a re-design for the 2012 season. Our customers share Lola's vision and technical thirst for continuous improvement, so we believe that all our entries in the FIA WEC, ALMS and ELMS this year will again be competing for further silverware with the new-look Lola B12/60. I would like to wish all our customers a successful season."

Chris Dyson, team principal of Dyson Racing said of the new car that his team will race at Sebring: "Dyson Racing are really looking forward to a big step forward this season with the new Lola B12/60 LMP1 Coupe. It is really a clean sheet of paper approach in many respects. The new aerodynamic package looks very good indeed. The new design stresses to a far greater degree the weight advantage of our AER-designed 2.0 liter Mazda turbo engine–the lightest powerplant in LMP1. From the outset, we have packaged the weight distribution of the car to maximize improved aero capabilities. We knew the previous Lola so well that we can pinpoint from day one where we can improve, and hit the ground running. I just can't wait to get behind the wheel and start defending our ALMS championship."

The Lola B12/60 at Lola Group HQ, Huntingdon, UK before leaving for the US last week

Lola has at least seven confirmed entries for this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, while six Lolas are entered in the FIA World Endurance Championship opener at Sebring in 12 days time.