McLaren filed UK trademark applications for the names Remuera and Muriwai on September 21, 2026, one day before unveiling a revised wordmark. Both names connect to Bruce McLaren’s early years in New Zealand, but McLaren has not confirmed either as a future vehicle name, badge, or model program.

The filings have sparked speculation about a potential shift away from McLaren’s familiar alphanumeric naming strategy. For now, however, the automaker has confirmed only the visual identity update. The trademarks could remain name reservations rather than become production nameplates.

What the McLaren trademark filings mean

Trademark applications are not proof that a new car is in development. Automakers often secure names well before deciding how, or whether, to use them. McLaren’s filings cover “Muriwai” under UK trademark number UK00004449263 and “Remuera” under UK00004449264.

The company has not linked either word to a specific McLaren Automotive product. Recent reporting about McLaren’s next-generation models has also not connected the names to a particular vehicle. That leaves open several possibilities, including future production cars, special editions, internal programs, or no public use at all.

Replacing names such as 750S with heritage-inspired titles would therefore be speculation at this stage. McLaren’s September 22 announcement centered on the new wordmark, not on a new naming system.

Remuera’s link to Bruce McLaren

Remuera is the Auckland suburb where Bruce McLaren grew up. His parents, Les and Ruth, operated the family garage there, and the signage above that building directly inspired McLaren’s new wordmark.

The identity refresh covers both McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive. It updates the McLaren International logo and the speedmark introduced in 1981 rather than abandoning the brand’s established visual elements.

McLaren is retaining the Speedmark, its Papaya color, and the Speedy Kiwi emblem. The approach presents the change as an evolution of the brand’s racing identity, with the family garage providing the historical reference point.

Muriwai marks McLaren’s racing debut

Muriwai refers to the beach and hillclimb location where Bruce McLaren made his competitive racing debut in 1952, at age 15. He drove an Austin Ulster prepared by his family at the Remuera garage.

The place remained important to McLaren after he moved to Europe for his racing career. He later named his home in England after Muriwai, reinforcing the connection between the New Zealand location and his personal history.

Together, the filings point to a potential supply of founder-focused names if McLaren chooses to expand beyond its current naming approach. They do not yet establish a production timetable, vehicle segment, or confirmed replacement for an existing model.