The 2026 McLaren 788HS arrives as the final chapter in the British marque's second-generation Super Series lineup that started with the 2017 720S, delivering extra power, distinctive aero styling and a price above one million dollars.

Only the third McLaren to carry the HS designation for High Sport, the new car follows the rare 2012 MP4-12C HS limited to five units and the 2016 MSO HS capped at 25 examples.

McLaren will build 200 units through its Special Operations division in Woking, split evenly between 100 coupes and 100 Spiders.

A small allocation is confirmed for Australia at 1078800 dollars before on-road costs, placing it among the most expensive new vehicles available locally alongside flagship Ferraris and Rolls-Royces, with first deliveries expected in 2027.

The 788 figure denotes peak output of 788 PS or 580 kW, surpassing the 750S to become the most powerful Super Series model yet.

Power comes from the twin-turbo 4.0-litre M840T V8 fitted with forged pistons, low-inertia turbochargers and dual fuel pumps, producing 800 Nm that reaches the rear wheels via a seven-speed transaxle.

Dry weight is listed at 1265 kg, 36 kg above the lightest 765LT, yielding a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 458 kW per tonne.

McLaren claims a 0-100 km/h sprint in 2.8 seconds and 7.0 seconds to 200 km/h, with a top speed of 330 km/h.

A comprehensive aero package generates 10 percent more downforce than the 765LT while the car rides 5 mm lower on centre-lock 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged wheels.

Carbon-fibre elements include a new S-Duct bonnet, bespoke front splitter, gloss-black roof scoop, active rear wing, louvred upper wing and a rear diffuser framing quad titanium tailpipes.

Revised induction and exhaust symposers promise a fuller sound at high revs, and buyers may select gloss or satin finishes for the aero components.

Suspension tuning, adaptive dampers and the latest linked-hydraulic Proactive Chassis Control III system aim to sharpen body control and steering response.

Stopping power comes from six-piston front calipers with forged aluminium discs taken from the Senna, while the cabin keeps the column-mounted binnacle and carbon-fibre console.

The Super Series line began in 2017 with the 720S; its replacement is expected to be a plug-in hybrid V8 model due later this year for 2027 deliveries.

Under new ownership by CYVN Holdings since April 2025, McLaren plans faster development and expansion into additional vehicle categories, potentially including an SUV.