McLaren has introduced again an outdated concept with a contemporary twist on the 2026 Monterey Automobile Week, the place it has proven the brand new McL 6GT idea. The automotive is a contemporary interpretation of Bruce McLaren’s M6GT venture from the late Sixties and is anticipated to result in a limited-production highway automotive in 2028.
One in all its largest highlights is one thing that has turn out to be uncommon in trendy supercars: a handbook gearbox. The McL 6GT would be the first McLaren highway automotive because the legendary F1 to make use of a handbook transmission. The unique M6GT was deliberate as a road-going model of the M6A Can-Am race automotive, however Bruce McLaren’s highway automotive venture by no means reached full manufacturing.
The brand new idea appears to be like again at that unfinished concept whereas utilizing a way more trendy design. Its physique has a low entrance finish, a large stance and easy surfaces, with a Kammback-style rear giving the automotive a particular form. McLaren has additionally added a number of small particulars that join the idea to its historical past. The taillights use a brand new design referred to as the “Racing Loop”, whereas Bruce McLaren’s signature seems on the engine cowl.
The historic Speedy Kiwi brand has additionally been engraved into the gasoline filler cap. Beneath the physique is a carbon-fibre monocoque with carbon-fibre panels, serving to preserve the automotive gentle and giving it the inflexible construction anticipated from a McLaren. The inside continues the combination of outdated and new. There’s a digital instrument show and trendy carbon-fibre trim, however McLaren has averted changing every little thing with touchscreens.
Bodily controls stay in place, whereas the machined aluminium switches add a extra conventional really feel. The seats characteristic upholstery impressed by the quilted design utilized in Bruce McLaren’s unique highway automotive. Even the handbook gear lever will get its personal three-dimensional Speedy Kiwi emblem. McLaren has not launched particulars in regards to the engine’s energy or measurement but, however it has confirmed that the McL 6GT makes use of a rear-mounted V8 petrol engine. The engine sends energy to the rear wheels by means of the handbook transmission.
Hydraulic steering and traditional controls are additionally a part of the bundle, displaying that the corporate desires the automotive to really feel extra mechanical and involving than many trendy efficiency vehicles. The McL 6GT will sit outdoors McLaren’s foremost mannequin vary and will likely be inbuilt restricted numbers from 2028. The corporate has not but revealed what number of vehicles it plans to provide or how a lot the brand new mannequin will price.
