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McLaren has confirmed\u00a0a 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.<\/p>\n
The ‘788’ in the final Super Series model’s name signifies its power output \u2013 788PS (580kW) \u2013 following McLaren convention, meaning it overtakes the 750S (750PS\/552kW) as the most powerful Super Series model ever built.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
With a claimed dry weight of 1265kg \u2013 36kg more than the lightest 765LT \u2013 the increased engine output gives the 788HS a power-to-weight ratio of 458kW per tonne, the best of any Super Series model.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
The 788HS also receives a dramatic sculpted aerodynamic package delivering 10 per cent more downforce than the 765LT \u2013 until now the benchmark Super Series McLaren \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
Under its new owner, the company said it will “move at pace” and that its “portfolio will be expanded into new product categories”.<\/p>\n