McLaren McL 6GT debuts as first manual McLaren since the F1

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McLaren has unveiled the McL 6GT concept at Monterey Car Week 2026, previewing a 2028 production supercar and bringing back an authentic manual transmission for the first time since the legendary F1.

McLaren Automotive has unveiled the McL 6GT, a modern interpretation of the M6GT and a contemporary take on Bruce McLaren’s original, but ultimately unrealised, supercar vision. The concept previews a new, highly exclusive McLaren supercar positioned above the brand’s core model range, with a production version confirmed for 2028. Earlier this year, McLaren Special Operations revealed a one-off recreation of the original M6GT at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The new McL 6GT takes that idea further, connecting McLaren’s racing heritage with the origins of its road-car ambitions.

Manual gearbox returns

The biggest talking point is the return of a manual transmission, making the McL 6GT the first McLaren since the F1 of 1992 to feature an authentic manual gearbox.

The transmission sends power from a V8 internal-combustion engine to the rear wheels, although McLaren has yet to reveal the engine’s displacement, power output or performance figures.

The concept also features hydraulic steering, tactile switchgear and machined aluminium controls, reinforcing its focus on analogue driver involvement. The gear lever incorporates a three-dimensional Speedy Kiwi, inspired by McLaren’s historic logo.

Retro-inspired McLaren design

The McL 6GT draws heavily on 1960s sports prototypes, particularly the M6A Can-Am racer that provided the foundation for the original M6GT.

It sits low and wide, combining a low nose, clean body surfacing and a distinctive Kammback-style rear. The roof flows into the rear deck and engine cover, creating a continuous profile shaped around the mechanical package.

Heritage details include a ‘Racing Loop’ rear-light design inspired by the original M6GT, a reinterpretation of Bruce McLaren’s original number plate, his signature in the engine bay and a Speedy Kiwi etched into the fuel filler cap.

Driver-focused interior

Inside, McLaren has reinterpreted the original M6GT’s boxed quilting while using digital instrumentation designed to preserve the clarity and emotional appeal of the historic car.

Exposed gloss carbon fibre, knurled aluminium controls and carefully considered ergonomics further reinforce the McL 6GT’s emphasis on tactile interaction and driver engagement.

Lightweight carbon-fibre construction

The McL 6GT uses a carbon-fibre monocoque and carbon-fibre bodywork, continuing McLaren’s long-standing focus on lightweight construction.

McLaren has not yet announced the car’s weight or power-to-weight ratio, but says the concept has been developed around lightness, tactility and driver connection, with every gearshift, throttle movement and steering input intended to feel deliberate and rewarding.

McLaren CEO Nick Collins said the McL 6GT imagines what Bruce McLaren wanted to create while combining that vision with six decades of technological development.

Production McL 6GT due in 2028

McLaren has confirmed that the McL 6GT concept will lead to a production supercar in 2028. Pricing, production numbers, complete engine specifications and performance figures have yet to be announced.

The return of a manual gearbox also gives the McL 6GT a distinctive position within McLaren’s modern range, combining the brand’s lightweight engineering philosophy with a more analogue approach to performance.