Summary
A new, incredibly exclusive hypercar – internally known as “P50” – could be the first car from this manufacturer offered with a manual transmission since the iconic F1. Production is anticipated to be limited to under 100 vehicles, each costing more than the $2.1 million McLaren W1. It’s expected to be revealed on August 14th at The Quail event during Monterey Car Week.
Rumors indicate that McLaren is working on a new, top-of-the-line supercar designed for driving enthusiasts who prefer a traditional, manual gearbox. The car, known internally as the P50, might be revealed at The Quail event during Monterey Car Week next month. If the rumors are true, this would be a major development for McLaren, as it would be the first production car with a manual transmission since the iconic F1 ended production in 1998. This move would be a significant shift away from McLaren’s recent emphasis on automatic transmissions and hybrid technology.
Rumors about the engine suggest two possibilities: a twin-turbocharged engine built to meet emissions regulations worldwide, or a naturally aspirated engine. To be street-legal, the car will likely need a turbocharged engine. Online, fans on forums like German Car Forum and McLaren Life have been discussing whether the manufacturer might use the 5.2-liter V10 engine from the Solus GT – a car designed only for racing – in a special, non-street-legal version. Discussions going back to February suggest a very limited-production model is in the works. Some forum users have hinted that this new vehicle might be similar to Ferrari’s Icona series, and have also made references to the movie character Pete Mitchell. These references have led to speculation that the car could be connected to the automaker’s partnership with Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division.
Rumors started on The Supercar Blog and point to a growing trend in the luxury car market. Wealthy buyers of high-performance cars now strongly prefer the feeling of traditional, physical controls over completely digital systems. As a result, leading carmakers are bringing back manual shifting options to their most prestigious vehicles, like the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale and the Koenigsegg CC850. McLaren hasn’t officially acknowledged the P50 or any plans to unveil it in Monterey. If it debuts on August 14th, it will confirm a widely expected reveal and demonstrate whether a manual transmission can justify a price tag exceeding $2.1 million.
2026-07-21 10:57