Is McLaren really bringing back the manual gearbox?

The manual gearbox is enjoying a resurgence at the top of the automotive hierarchy. Ferrari brought it back for the new 12cyl manual, and although it’s not a true manual, Maranello’s V12 supercar features a gated shifter and even a clutch pedal. Hennessey is putting an honest manual in the Venom F5-M, while Porsche’s 911 GT3 S/C is a manual-only affair. According to a new report, McLaren is going to launch its three-pedal performance car.

Without citing any sources, supercarblog The project is alleged to be known internally as “P50”. Needless to say, there is no relation to the Peel P50 microcar, the world’s smallest production car. Instead, the designation apparently relates to a new McLaren model with a manual gearbox, which would be the brand’s first in nearly 30 years. The first and last time Woking built a car with a do-it-yourself transmission was during F1 production from 1992 to 1998. To this day, it remains the world’s fastest naturally aspirated production car.

Pictured below, the M6GT with a five-speed gearbox was Bruce McLaren’s vision of a road-going car, but it was never realized after the project was scrapped after only three prototypes were built. While McLaren Special Operations’ freshly restored M6GT is not for sale, the P50 is reportedly headed for production. The unconfirmed plan is to build less than 100 units at an undisclosed price. It is said to cost more than the W1 flagship, which is rumored to cost $2.1 million.

It is unclear whether the McLaren P50 will have a true manual gearbox or a simulated setup like the Ferrari 12cylinder manual, where there is no physical connection between the shifter and the transmission. Either way, there may be some facts behind what currently seems like a rumor. but enthusiastic Mclaren Life Forum A three-pedal McLaren has been discussed for months. Meanwhile, on the insiders German Car Forum There has been speculation about the MSO P50 since early 2026 that it may also have a naturally aspirated engine.

Although the twin-turbo setup seems like a safer bet, we shouldn’t forget that McLaren fitted the Solus GT with a naturally aspirated V10. The wild, single-seat track-only machine proves the company isn’t afraid to think outside the box. However, a road car must meet emissions regulations, making forced induction a more likely solution for better efficiency. However, if the P50 won’t be road legal, it would be much easier to install the Solus GT’s stock-supplied 5.2-liter NA V10.

The world premiere is apparently scheduled during Monterey Car Week next month. It is believed that McLaren will unveil the car at The Quail in California on August 14. Unless McLaren says otherwise, take these details with the proverbial pinch of salt. Meanwhile, the closest thing to F1 is the GMA T.50, with a six-speed, H-pattern manual gearbox engineered by Xtrac.

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Source: RM Sotheby’s

Motor1’s Opinion: Explaining why the Rimac Nevera was not selling as well as he hoped, Mate Rimac said that wealthy buyers shopping for high-end performance cars still wanted combustion engines and a more analog experience. Ferrari created the 12cylinder manual after repeated requests by its wealthiest customers for the return of the manual gearbox. Porsche is making a fortune with the manual 911, so there’s clearly a demand among the one-percenters for a stick shift.

If the P50 rumors prove true, then McLaren will probably just print money. Although very few people will be able to afford it, we hope it won’t be limited to the track. As great as the Solus GT is, a road-legal car would make a much bigger impact.