After 30 Years, McLaren Brings Back the Manual with the McL 6GT

McLaren has unveiled its new supercar, the McL 6GT, bringing a manual gearbox back to its modern lineup for the first time since the legendary McLaren F1. The car was revealed at Monterey Car Week in California, with production slated for 2028 in extremely limited numbers.

The Manual Returns After a Long Hiatus

The McL 6GT features a 6-speed manual transmission, breaking a trend that has seen McLaren’s modern cars rely on fast-shifting automatics. The difference is profound. The design philosophy centers on raw driving engagement, combining lightweight carbon fiber construction with a V8 internal combustion engine, putting the driver back at the heart of gear changes instead of leaving everything to electronics.

A Tribute to Bruce McLaren’s Car

McLaren drew design inspiration from the M6GT, the car associated with founder Bruce McLaren and one of his first attempts at creating a road-going sports car. The company blends heritage-inspired styling with modern construction techniques, rather than offering a literal recreation of an old model. This combination gives the car a unique personality that bridges nostalgia and the future.

Limited Production and a Rare Price Tag

Early information suggests production will be extremely limited, with a price point higher than most current models in the range. This shift reflects how the manual gearbox itself has become a rarity in modern supercars — an exception rather than the rule, as manufacturers chase faster acceleration figures with automatics. Yet McLaren is choosing a different path, redefining the joy of driving.