- McL 6GT is a homage to Bruce McLarne's M6GT project.
- Conventional manual gearbox and tactile controls.
- Production in 2028, heading a new series of collectible cars.
McLaren has revealed a new model that not only pays homage to Kiwi brand founder Bruce McLaren, but also introduces a new line of super-collectible cars.
The McL 6GT unveiled at Montery Car Week (August 7-16) directly references M6GT, the only road car built by Bruce McLaren but a project unfulfilled after his untimely death in 1970. McLaren unveiled a restored M6GT at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, now very clearly meant as a lead-up to this exclusive new model.
The company says the McL 6GT illustrates how the "maverick spirit within McLaren can inform a future-facing approach to McLaren cars that will captivate with character.
"It also lays the foundations for a newly positioned and highly exclusive type of McLaren supercar beyond the core and expanded portfolio, which will be made real with a production version of McL 6GT in 2028."
While the McL 6GT maintains high-tech carbon fibre construction, the standout technical feature is pretty old-school: it has a conventional manual transmisison, sending power to the rear wheels.
“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," says Nick Collins, chief executive officer of McLaren Automotive.
Tactile controls are a big part of the new car. The design of the gearstick has been "carefully considered for maximum feel and throw," but also incorporates design inspired by McLaren’s heritage, with a three-dimensional interpretation of Bruce McLaren's signature "Speedy Kiwi" set within its upright.
The McL 6GT sits low and wide with a low nose, echoing the stance of the M6A Can-Am racer upon which the M6GT was based. The body surfacing is clean, flowing from the low nose to the distinctive Kammback tail.
The "Racing Loop" motif inspired by the M6GT’s original taillights are integrated into the exterior architecture, while Bruce McLaren’s original M6GT number plate is reimagined as a tone-on-tone graphic treatment. His signature is in the engine bay, and the Speedy Kiwi is also etched into the fuel filler cap.
McLaren is yet to reveal specific powertrain or technical details, beyond revealing that it's V8-powered. But expect the McL 6GT to draw on existing technology from the brand's portfolio.
