Million-dollar McLaren 788HS revealed as final Super Series supercar

The 2026 McLaren 788HS has been revealed as the send-off for the British performance car brand's second-generation Super Series model range, which dates back to the 2017 McLaren 720S, bringing more power, unique aerodynamic bodywork, and a $1 million-plus price tag.

The 788HS is only the third McLaren to wear the 'HS' badge, which stands for 'High Sport'. It previously appeared on the 2012 MP4-12C HS, of which only five examples were built, and the 2016 MSO HS, which was limited to 25 examples.

McLaren Automotive will produce 200 examples of the 788HS, comprising 100 coupes and 100 Spider convertibles, via the automaker's McLaren Special Operations (MSO) division in Woking, UK.

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McLaren has confirmed a limited number will be offered to Australian buyers, each priced at a cool $1,078,800 before on-road costs, making the HS one of the priciest new cars you can buy in this country today, alongside a handful of top-end Ferraris and Rolls-Royces. First local deliveries are scheduled for 2027.

The '788' in the final Super Series model's name signifies its power output – 788PS (580kW) – following McLaren convention, meaning it overtakes the 765LT (765PS/563kW) as the most powerful Super Series model ever built.

Power comes from the company's twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre 'M840T' V8 petrol engine, which features forged pistons, ultra-low-inertia twin-scroll turbochargers, and twin fuel pumps. It sends 800Nm of torque through a seven-speed transaxle to the rear wheels.

With a claimed dry weight of 1265kg – 36kg more than the lightest 765LT – the increased engine output gives the 788HS a power-to-weight ratio of 458kW per tonne, the best of any Super Series model.

The result is a new benchmark 0-100km/h time of 2.8 seconds (claimed) and McLaren says just 7.0 seconds is needed to reach 200km/h. Top speed is stated at 330km/h.

The 788HS also receives a dramatic sculpted aerodynamic package delivering 10 per cent more downforce than the 765LT – until now the benchmark Super Series McLaren – and sits 5mm lower on forged 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloy wheels, which feature a centre-lock design for the first time.

The aerodynamic package is constructed from carbon-fibre and includes a new S-Duct bonnet, unique front splitter, gloss-black roof-mounted air intake, active rear spoiler, louvred upper wing, and a lower rear diffuser surrounding a quad-outlet titanium exhaust system.

The 788HS also features revised induction and exhaust symposers for a "richer and more intense sound at higher engine speeds", while customers can choose the external aerodynamic package in either gloss or satin finishes.

Under the skin, the 788HS has its own suspension calibration, adaptive dampers and McLaren's linked-hydraulic Proactive Chassis Control III system, which the company says delivers better body control, precision and responsiveness.

Adding to driver confidence are six-piston front brake calipers with forged aluminium rotors borrowed from the 2018 McLaren Senna, while the cabin retains a steering column-mounted instrument binnacle and lightweight carbon-fibre centre console.

The second-generation Super Series arrived in 2017 with the 720S. While details of its successor have not been officially confirmed, it is expected to be replaced by a new plug-in hybrid V8-powered model due to be revealed later this year, ahead of first deliveries starting in 2027.

McLaren may also follow rivals including Ferrari, Aston Martin and Lamborghini in producing an SUV after McLaren Automotive changed hands when it was purchased by CYVN Holdings in April 2025.

Under its new owner, the company said it will "move at pace" and that its "portfolio will be expanded into new product categories".

The Lamborghini Urus SUV is now the brand's best-selling model, helping it to five consecutive years of record sales, although plans for a Lamborghini EV have been shelved in favour of a fourth hybrid model.

Similarly, the Aston Martin DBX is the British marque's best-selling model, while Ferrari does not publish model-by-model sales figures, but the V12-powered Purosangue SUV is among the Italian marque's highest-volume models.

McLaren could also follow Ferrari into the EV market, with Forseven – which merged with CYVN Holdings – previously stating on its website: "When you combine world-class EV engineering with the best of British design, you're sure to turn some heads".

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