Is McLaren Actually Bringing Again The Handbook Gearbox?

The handbook gearbox is having fun with a resurgence on the very high of the automotive hierarchy. Ferrari introduced it again for the brand new 12Cilindri Manuale, and whereas not a real handbook, Maranello’s V12 supercar does function a gated shifter and even a clutch pedal. Hennessey is placing an honest-to-God handbook within the Venom F5-M, whereas Porsche’s 911 GT3 S/C is a manual-only affair. If a brand new report is to be believed, McLaren is about to launch its personal three-pedal efficiency automotive.

With out citing any sources, TheSupercarBlog alleges the venture is internally often called the “P50.” Evidently, there’s no connection to the Peel P50 microcar, aka the world’s smallest manufacturing automotive. As a substitute, the designation apparently belongs to a brand new McLaren mannequin with a handbook gearbox, which might be the model’s first in almost 30 years. The primary and final time Woking constructed a automotive with a do-it-yourself transmission was in the course of the F1’s manufacturing run from 1992 to 1998. To today, it stays the world’s quickest naturally aspirated manufacturing automotive.

Pictured under, the M6GT with a five-speed gearbox was Bruce McLaren’s imaginative and prescient of a road-going automotive, nevertheless it by no means materialized after the venture was scrapped following the development of simply three prototypes. Whereas McLaren Particular Operations’ freshly restored M6GT isn’t on the market, the P50 is allegedly headed for manufacturing. The unconfirmed plan is to construct fewer than 100 items at an undisclosed value. It’s mentioned to value greater than the W1 flagship, placing the rumored price ticket north of $2.1 million.

McLaren M6GT restoration by McLaren Particular Operations

Photograph by: McLaren

It’s unclear whether or not the McLaren P50 will function a real handbook gearbox or a simulated setup just like the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale, the place there isn’t a bodily connection between the shifter and the transmission. Both method, there could also be some substance behind what at the moment appears like a wild rumor. Fans on the McLaren Life forums have been discussing a three-pedal McLaren for months. In the meantime, insiders on the German Car Forum have been speculating concerning the MSO P50 since early 2026, suggesting it would even function a naturally aspirated engine.

Though a twin-turbo setup looks like the safer guess, we shouldn’t overlook McLaren fitted the Solus GT with a naturally aspirated V10. The wild, single-seat track-only machine proves the corporate isn’t afraid to assume outdoors the field. Nonetheless, a street automotive would inevitably have to satisfy emissions rules, making pressured induction the extra possible answer for improved effectivity. If the P50 received’t be street authorized, although, it might be a lot simpler to put in the Solus GT’s Judd-supplied 5.2-liter NA V10.

The world premiere is outwardly locked in for subsequent month throughout Monterey Automotive Week. McLaren is believed to be taking the wraps off the automotive at The Quail, which takes place on August 14 in California. Till McLaren says in any other case, take these particulars with the proverbial pinch of salt. Within the meantime, the closest factor to an F1 stays the GMA T.50 with its six-speed, H-pattern handbook gearbox engineered by Xtrac.

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Supply: RM Sotheby’s

Motor1’s Take: Whereas explaining why the Rimac Nevera wasn’t promoting in addition to he had hoped, Mate Rimac mentioned rich consumers looking for high-end efficiency automobiles nonetheless crave combustion engines and a extra analog really feel. Ferrari constructed the 12Cilindri Manuale after its wealthiest prospects repeatedly requested for the return of the handbook gearbox. Porsche is making a fortune with handbook 911s, so there’s clearly demand amongst one-percenters for a stick shift.

If the P50 rumor holds water, McLaren will possible print cash. Whereas only a few folks will have the ability to afford it, we hope it received’t be confined to the observe. As spectacular because the Solus GT is, a road-legal automotive would make a far better influence.