McLaren has released a new teaser that strongly suggests the arrival of its first modern manual-equipped supercar.
The clip, posted on social media, points to a reveal on August 14 during Monterey Car Week.
The video opens with the McLaren M6GT, a road-going version of the company's Can-Am racer and one of the earliest cars to wear the McLaren name.
It featured a five-speed manual gearbox, though only three prototypes were built.
Recently, McLaren spent considerable time putting an M6GT on the road.
The teaser then shows a Bruce McLaren quote, cryptic glimpses of a new model, and finally a hand pulling back a shifter.
While McLaren hasn't explicitly used the word "manual," the imagery is unmistakable.
The teaser also appears to borrow design cues from the M6GT, particularly around the roofline and rear haunches.
Rumors and Expectations
A month ago, reports claimed McLaren was developing an ultra-limited supercar internally known as the P50.
The same rumor suggested fewer than 100 examples, a price above the roughly $2.1 million McLaren W1, and a debut at The Quail during Monterey Car Week.
McLaren's teaser makes the reveal date look solid, but the name, engine, production cap, and price remain unconfirmed.
The big remaining question is what McLaren means by "manual." The F1's six-speed was a traditional manual, but modern manufacturers have begun replicating the experience electronically.
Ferrari's 12Cilindri Manuale uses a gated shifter and clutch pedal, but its dual-clutch transmission is operated by wire.
Koenigsegg has taken a similarly creative route.
McLaren has a habit of making bold design decisions, so a genuine mechanical connection between the clutch pedal and clutch is possible.
We'll find out for sure in just two days.
