The Lola B12/80 was a closed-cockpit sports prototype with a carbon-fibre monocoque, double wishbone suspension with pushrods, rack-and-pinion steering with Kayaba power assist system, a 900kg overall weight, and a Lola 6-speed manual gearbox. Powerplants included the Judd BMW M3 V8, Nissan, Honda, HPD, and Lotus.

Lola had experience with building closed-cockpit sports racers, but it had been nearly two decades since the last one, the T92/10 built in 1992. The B12/80 had a large spinal fin which gave it stability at speed, a necessity for cars designed to reach speeds of nearly 200-mph down the Mulsanne Straight at LeMans.

The B12/80 raced in the European Le Mans Prototype Racing Series and the American LeMans Series during the 2012 season, serving as a replaced for the former 2011 B11/80. It was the LMP2 version of the larger B08/60 chassis.

Teams that raced with the B12/80 included Dempsey Racing and Gulf Racing. Canadian motorsport team Status Grand Prix raced an upgraded B12/80 in the 2012 LeMans Series, finishing 6th in the team championship with 15 points. These points were earned by achieving a 3rd place finish at the 6 Hours of Castellet.

The accomplishments of the Dempsey Racing car included a 7th at the 2012 ALMS Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park, 9th at the 2012 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge, and 9th at the 2012 Road America Road Race Showcase

by Dan Vaughan