When I first saw the McLaren McL 6GT, my first thought was actually: “Is that an Alfa?”
It definitely doesn’t look like the McLarens we’ve become used to. And that’s probably exactly why it stood out so much when it was revealed at Monterey Car Week.
But no — it’s very much a McLaren.
The design is a modern interpretation of the M6GT, Bruce McLaren’s late-1960s attempt at creating a road-going sports car. The original project never properly made it into production, so this new car is essentially McLaren going back to a piece of its own history.
And then there’s the part that immediately caught my attention.
A manual gearbox.
Not a paddle-shifted dual-clutch pretending to be emotional. Not some clever electronic workaround.
A proper six-speed manual. Three pedals. A fucking gear lever.
In 2026, that has become a rarity in itself. McLaren says the McL 6GT will be its first manual road car since the legendary F1 of 1992.
And honestly, I love that manufacturers are starting to bring this stuff back. Because at some point, if we keep replacing everything with computers and paddles, there will be a generation of drivers who genuinely won’t know how to change gears themselves.
The McL 6GT is currently a preview for a production car expected in 2028. It will have a V8, rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual, with a carbon-fibre monocoque and bodywork. McLaren hasn't released the final power or performance figures yet.
And the price?
Around $1.5 million is being reported, although McLaren hasn't officially confirmed final pricing yet. Production is expected to be limited to around 500 cars.
So forget the numbers for a moment.
Just look at it.
It looks different.
And in a world where so many supercars are starting to look like variations of the same fucking formula, that's actually a very good thing.
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