McLaren McL 6GT Revealed With Manual V8 Power; Production Model Coming In 2028

McLaren has revealed the new McL 6GT concept at Monterey Car Week 2026, taking the British supercar brand back to its roots. Inspired by Bruce McLaren’s unfinished M6GT road-car project, the McL 6GT combines a V8 engine, rear-wheel drive and a proper manual gearbox.

More importantly, this is not simply a design study. McLaren has confirmed that a production version of the McL 6GT will arrive in 2028, introducing a new type of highly exclusive supercar outside its regular model range.

What Is The New McLaren McL 6GT?

The McL 6GT is McLaren’s modern interpretation of the original M6GT, a road-going supercar Bruce McLaren wanted to build using technology developed through motorsport.

That original project never reached full production, making the new McL 6GT something of a continuation of Bruce McLaren’s vision more than six decades later.

Unlike McLaren’s current supercars, the focus here is less on chasing outright performance figures and more on creating a lightweight, mechanical and engaging driving experience.

Why Is The McLaren McL 6GT’s Manual Gearbox A Big Deal?

Because McLaren has not offered one in a road car for more than three decades. The McL 6GT features an authentic manual transmission sending power exclusively to the rear wheels. It is the first McLaren to use a manual gearbox since the legendary McLaren F1, introduced in 1992.

McLaren has even paid special attention to the gear lever itself. It has been designed around shift feel and throw, while a three-dimensional Speedy Kiwi emblem is incorporated into the upright. For a brand currently known for fast dual-clutch transmissions, the return of three pedals is a major change in direction.

What Engine Does The McLaren McL 6GT Use?

McLaren has confirmed a V8 internal combustion engine, although detailed specifications remain under wraps. McLaren has yet to reveal engine capacity, power output, torque, kerb weight, 0–100km/h time, or top speed. Instead, McLaren is highlighting the car’s power-to-weight ratio and lightweight construction.

McLaren McL 6GT Specifications

How Is The McL 6GT Different From Modern McLarens?

The McL 6GT has been developed around an intentionally analogue driving experience. Along with its manual gearbox, the car gets hydraulic steering, tactile physical switchgear and machined aluminium controls. McLaren says every steering input, throttle movement and gearshift has been designed to feel deliberate and mechanical.

It is an interesting approach at a time when high-performance cars are increasingly moving towards electrification, electronic controls and complex driver-assistance systems. The McL 6GT still features digital instrumentation, but McLaren says it has kept the presentation clean and closely connected to the original car’s character.

How Does The McL 6GT Pay Tribute To The Original M6GT?

The connection goes well beyond the name. Its extremely low and wide proportions are inspired by the M6A Can-Am racing car, which formed the foundation for the original M6GT.

Clean surfaces flow from the low front end into a distinctive Kammback-style tail, while the roof blends into the rear deck and engine cover. The cabin also appears integrated into the body rather than sitting above it.

Other heritage-inspired touches include:

• ‘Racing Loop’ rear lighting inspired by the M6GT
• Bruce McLaren’s signature inside the engine bay
• A Speedy Kiwi emblem on the fuel filler cap
• Graphics inspired by Bruce McLaren’s original M6GT number plate
• Heritage-inspired boxed quilting inside the cabin

Despite all these references, McLaren has avoided making the car look like a simple retro remake.

How Lightweight Is The McLaren McL 6GT?

McLaren has not revealed its kerb weight yet, but it uses carbon fibre extensively throughout the car. The McL 6GT combines McLaren’s latest carbon fibre monocoque technology with carbon fibre bodywork, continuing one of the brand’s core engineering philosophies.

Exposed gloss carbon fibre also appears inside the cabin. The lightweight construction should become especially important once McLaren reveals the V8’s final output, as the company has already highlighted the McL 6GT’s power-to-weight ratio as a defining characteristic.

When Will The McLaren McL 6GT Go Into Production?

The concept previews a production McL 6GT scheduled to arrive in 2028. McLaren has not yet announced pricing, final specifications or how many examples will be produced. 

However, the manufacturer has described the car as the foundation for a new and highly exclusive type of McLaren positioned beyond its existing core portfolio. That suggests the production McL 6GT could sit among the brand’s most specialised and expensive road cars.

Editor’s Take

The McL 6GT might be one of McLaren’s most interesting concepts in years, mainly because it takes a completely different route to the usual supercar formula.

A lightweight carbon fibre chassis, naturally mechanical controls, rear-wheel drive and a manual gearbox already sound promising. McLaren’s confirmation of a production model for 2028 makes the concept even more significant.

We still need the important numbers, especially power, weight and production volume. But one thing is already clear: the manual McLaren is officially making a comeback.

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