McLaren has unveiled the McL 6GT, a new manual supercar concept developed under the codename P50, as the British automaker explores a more analog direction for its future performance cars.
The concept represents a significant shift for McLaren. The company built its modern reputation by maximizing measurable performance, but increasingly sophisticated electronic systems have made modern supercars easier to drive and more effective at masking mistakes. The McL 6GT instead focuses on mechanical feel, deliberate inputs and the less quantifiable sensations that make driving engaging.
McL 6GT Looks to McLaren’s Past
The McL 6GT draws inspiration from McLaren’s history and the ambitions of company founder Bruce McLaren. Although the company was established around motorsport, Bruce McLaren also wanted to create road cars. That vision eventually led to the M6GT, followed by the McLaren F1, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and the MP4-12C that launched McLaren’s modern era in 2010.
Earlier this year, McLaren presented a period-correct rebuilt M6GT at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The new McL 6GT concept now takes that heritage in a different direction while testing the potential interest in a retro-inspired McLaren.
McLaren says a production version is expected to arrive in 2028. The company’s financial situation has been described as rocky, making the decision to pursue a new model an important one.
A Manual Transmission Returns to McLaren
The McL 6GT features an authentic manual transmission with an exposed linkage physically connected to the drivetrain. It marks McLaren’s first manual transmission since the F1.
The concept is powered by a V8 internal-combustion engine, likely another 4.0-liter twin-turbo unit, driving the rear wheels. At the front, McLaren uses hydraulic power steering, another increasingly uncommon feature intended to provide greater steering feel.
The mechanical components are wrapped in a carbon-fiber monocoque and body. Inside, the concept combines traditional details with modern technology, including boxed quilting, a specially designed shifter and a limited number of screens.
Retro Styling Creates a New McLaren Identity
The McL 6GT incorporates several Bruce McLaren-inspired design elements, including Speedy Kiwi logos based on McLaren’s original logo and the brand’s Racing Loop motif.
Unlike many contemporary McLaren models, however, the concept avoids an aggressively aerodynamic appearance. Its more restrained and elegant shape makes it difficult to immediately identify as a typical modern McLaren.
That separation from the company’s familiar design language appears intentional. Rather than simply creating another version of an existing McLaren, the McL 6GT establishes a distinct visual identity around the idea of a more mechanical and emotionally engaging supercar.
McLaren Wants Driving Feel, Not Just More Speed
McLaren has not revealed pricing or production numbers for the McL 6GT. Details about the cabin and the concept’s underlying architecture also remain limited.
Even so, the combination of McLaren’s chassis expertise, a powerful V8, rear-wheel drive, hydraulic steering and a genuine manual transmission points toward a different kind of performance car.
As electrification and digital technology continue to reshape the supercar segment, the McL 6GT represents McLaren’s attempt to preserve the raw, tactile qualities of earlier performance cars rather than simply pursuing greater speed and downforce.
If the concept ultimately reaches production as planned in 2028, it could establish a new direction for McLaren and potentially open the door to additional models that sit outside the company’s core range.
