Automobile
McLaren’s first manual supercar in 30 years? ‘P50’ rumours hint at a three-pedal comeback… but there’s a catch
Fresh reports suggest McLaren could unveil a new manual-equipped supercar, internally codenamed P50, at Monterey Car Week. While excitement is building, the British automaker has yet to confirm the project.
The automotive world is buzzing with speculation that McLaren could be preparing to bring back a manual gearbox for the first time in nearly three decades. According to circulating reports, the British supercar manufacturer is reportedly developing a new flagship model, internally known as the P50, which may feature a traditional three-pedal setup.
If the rumours prove accurate, it would mark McLaren’s first production road car with a manual transmission since the legendary McLaren F1, produced between 1992 and 1998.
However, it’s important to note that McLaren has not officially confirmed the existence of the P50 or any manual transmission plans.
Manual gearboxes are making a comeback
In recent years, several high-end performance car manufacturers have shown renewed interest in manual transmissions, catering to driving enthusiasts who value engagement over outright speed.
Brands such as Ferrari, Porsche, and Hennessey have introduced manual or manual-inspired performance cars, reflecting a growing demand for a more traditional driving experience despite the dominance of dual-clutch automatic gearboxes.
If McLaren joins this trend, it would represent a significant shift for the company, which has relied exclusively on automatic transmissions in its modern supercars.
What could the McLaren P50 offer?
Reports claim the upcoming P50 could sit above the recently introduced McLaren W1 in the company’s product range, making it one of the brand’s most exclusive and expensive models.
Industry speculation suggests production could be limited to just 100 units, with an expected price exceeding $2.1 million.
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One of the biggest unanswered questions is whether the car will feature a conventional mechanical manual gearbox or a simulated manual system, similar to the setup used by Ferrari in some of its latest performance models.
So far, no official technical specifications, engine details or transmission information have been released.
Naturally aspirated V10 or twin-turbo power?
Another area of speculation surrounds the powertrain.
Some enthusiasts believe McLaren could opt for a naturally aspirated V10, inspired by the company’s track-focused Solus GT, while others expect a more practical twin-turbocharged engine to meet modern emissions regulations for a road-legal vehicle.
Without official confirmation, the engine configuration remains purely speculative.
Possible debut at Monterey Car Week
According to reports, the mysterious McLaren P50 could make its first public appearance during Monterey Car Week in California, with a possible unveiling at The Quail event on August 14.
Until then, the project remains an unverified rumour, and McLaren has not issued any statement confirming the vehicle’s development.
Whether the company is truly preparing to revive the manual gearbox or simply inspiring wishful thinking among enthusiasts, the coming weeks could provide the answer.
