McLaren’s McL 6GT arrives with lightweight focus and manual gearbox

McLaren has created its first manual gearbox road car since its iconic F1.

Called the McL 6GT, it’s a lightweight supercar which ‘celebrates purity in design and driver connection’, according to the brand,

Revealed at Monterey Car Week in California and said to channel founder Bruce McLaren’s lightweight ethos, the McL 6GT is a concept which previews a production-ready version which will be introduced in 2028.

Nick Collins, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive, said: “The McLaren McL 6GT imagines what our inspirational founder had wished to complete but with six additional decades of innovation and passion woven through every element, creating a modern icon of driver connection. It is symbolic of the bold, provocative and hugely exciting future that we are preparing to realise”

At the very core of the McL 6GT experience is a manual gearbox which is linked to a V8 engine. As with other McLaren models, it gets full hydraulic steering for a more natural ‘feel’, while machined aluminium controls and driver-focused ergonomics aim to heighten the level of engagement.

Underneath, there’s a full carbon fibre monocoque over which is draped carbon fibre bodywork for a truly lightweight design. You’ll find plenty of the lightweight material used inside, too, which has been left exposed to reiterate the car’s ethos.

A new digital instrument cluster has been designed to appear more like a traditional set of dials, and you’ll find boxed quilting on many areas too.

McLaren has yet to reveal any performance data for the new McL 6GT, though it’s likely that more details will be announced closer to the car’s full reveal date in 2028.