Rumours are mounting that McLaren is preparing an ultra exclusive new supercar, reportedly codenamed P50, with a possible debut at The Quail during Monterey Car Week next month. While the British manufacturer has yet to confirm the project, reports suggest it could become McLaren’s first road car to feature a manual gearbox since the legendary F1 if the speculation proves accurate.

According to reports first published by The Supercar Blog, the P50 is expected to be produced in extremely limited numbers, with fewer than 100 examples rumoured. It is also believed to carry a price tag exceeding that of the McLaren W1, placing it among the most exclusive and expensive models the company has ever built.

Technical details remain a mystery, with no information yet confirmed regarding the powertrain, chassis or transmission design. Enthusiasts have speculated whether the car could feature a traditional H pattern manual gearbox or a modern shift by wire system similar to the one recently introduced by Ferrari. However, none of these claims have been verified by McLaren.

For now, the P50 remains firmly in the rumour stage, but if the reports are accurate, 14 August at The Quail could mark the return of a manual equipped McLaren road car for the first time in nearly three decades. Until then, enthusiasts will have to wait for official confirmation from the Woking based manufacturer.