(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – At the Monterey Car Week, McLaren is presenting a new super sports car. At first, this doesn’t sound like such unusual news. But this model brings back something the manufacturer hasn’t offered for more than three decades. In calendar years since 1992. The manual transmission is coming back.
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The somewhat awkwardly named McLaren McL 6GT is inspired by the original M6GT from Bruce McLaren, the never-completed road sports car project of the company founder. While the original never went into series production, McLaren explains that the new McL 6GT is ultimately planned to be launched as a production vehicle in 2028. And unlike most modern super sports cars, it does not leave the shifting work entirely to electronics.
Modern interpretation of the M6GT
The McL 6GT features a manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. This makes it the first McLaren with a manual gearbox since the debut of the legendary F1 in 1992. McLaren has not yet released complete drivetrain data but confirms that the concept is powered by a V8 combustion engine. This is combined with a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque and a carbon fiber body.
Visually, the McL 6GT is strongly oriented towards the M6GT. The original was characterized by a flat and wide shape, a long roofline, and a distinctive Kamm tail. The new model picks up exactly these features, albeit in a modern interpretation.
The passenger cell is directly integrated into the body, while the roof flows seamlessly into the rear deck and engine cover. Additionally, McLaren reinterprets the characteristic taillights of the M6GT and integrates them into the so-called “Racing Loop” design element.
Many smaller details also refer to the history. The license plate of Bruce McLaren’s original M6GT has been reinterpreted as a subtle graphic, while his signature can be found in the engine bay. The Speedy Kiwi, one of the earliest McLaren logos, is also engraved on the fuel cap.
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Inside, McLaren follows the same approach, combining modern digital instruments with tactile controls, knurled aluminum switches, and a manually operated gear lever designed to convey a particularly mechanical feel. And yes, there is also a small Speedy Kiwi inside the gear lever itself.
The art of mechanical driving
According to McLaren, the McL 6GT is meant to emphasize the often neglected art of mechanical driving today. This means hydraulic steering instead of a purely electronic setup, physical controls, and of course a manual transmission.
However, the concept is only a preview. A production version is expected no earlier than 2028. The new car is to be positioned above McLaren’s current sports car and super sports car range. The company does not specify a price, but an amount of more than one million US dollars (about 864,000 euros) is expected. In any case: The McLaren with manual transmission is back.
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