Steve McQueen must've been pretty pleased...

"McQ" was obviously influenced by "Bullitt." This was the first time John Wayne drove a souped-up set of wheels. Wayne's car is similar to the one McQueen drove in "Bullitt," its engine sounds exactly the same, and Elmer Bernstein's soundtrack during the chase scenes is derivative of "Bullitt," as are some John Sturge's (who directed McQueen in "Magnificent Seven" and "The Great Escape") film shots. Also worth noting, the sound effect when Wayne fires his gun is identical to the magnum Clint Eastwood fired in "Dirty Harry."

It's clear that McQ was taking cues from "Bullitt" and "Dirty Harry," two contemporary cop movies that (along with "The French Connection") were hugely influential.

Having said that, I think this is a good, solid movie and the Duke shines, as always.

I believe the character's name is Mc Cue. The title was adjusted as an homage to Mc Queen.
Obviously Cue and Q sound the same.
L

I ddn't know that about an original title. I read a webpage somewhere that said his last name was actually McHugh, which when spoken easily sounds like McQ. I don’t remember that being explained anywhere in the film. But I could easily believe it was in fact a nod to Steve McQueen and “Bullitt”.