McLaren 788HS: The Ultimate Finale of a Supercar Icon
McLaren has unveiled the 788HS, the definitive and final chapter in its award-winning supercar series. The car closes out a lineage that began with the 720S and continued through the 765LT and 750S, bringing that celebrated story to a fitting conclusion.
At the heart of the 788HS sits a 788PS 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, paired with a dry weight of just 1,265kg. Together, they give the car a power-to-weight ratio of 623 PS per tonne, the highest McLaren has achieved across the 720S, 750S and 765LT series. A unique aerodynamic package, bolder exterior styling and extensive personalisation options complete the package. Drivers gain sharper performance on track and deeper engagement on the road, while McLaren Special Operations (MSO) lets each owner mark the car's era-defining legacy in their own way.
The 788HS carries the 'High Sport' badge, a designation McLaren reserves for only its most special production models. Just two cars have worn this badge before: the MP4-12C HS and the MSO HS.
Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Chief Commercial Officer at McLaren Automotive, explains the thinking behind the car: "The new McLaren 788HS has been designed and engineered with a singular focus; to deliver a visceral experience and captivating drive through its precise balance of performance, sound, dynamism and individuality. It represents the ultimate expression of our supercar series that began with the 720S and becomes only the third McLaren to wear our HS designation – a fitting finale for a much-loved and critically acclaimed car."
McLaren has given the 788HS sculpted bodywork that forms the most advanced aerodynamic package the platform has ever carried, boosting downforce by 10% over the 765LT while preserving balanced, uncompromised dynamics. A new S-Duct bonnet, a raised active rear spoiler and an intricate Formula 1-inspired rear diffuser anchor the aerodynamic concept. These elements work alongside a bespoke front splitter to sharpen stability, performance and driver confidence, while a louvred under-wing panel boosts powertrain cooling and aerodynamic efficiency.
Gloss black accents finish the exterior, including a roof scoop on Coupe derivatives, and buyers can choose full Visual Carbon Fibre bodywork across every panel to showcase the car's lightweight construction. Inside, a driver-centric layout features a lightweight carbon fibre centre console that reflects the focus McLaren has poured into every detail of the 788HS. The cabin also carries bespoke HS branding, a unique upholstery perforation pattern and a dedication plaque.
McLaren's M840T 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 powers the 788HS, revving to 8,500rpm and peaking at 7,500rpm. With 800Nm of torque, it delivers instant response and relentless acceleration, sprinting from 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds, 0-200km/h in 7.0 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 330km/h (205mph). A unique engine-mount calibration sharpens the connection between the powertrain and the driver without sacrificing long-distance comfort.
A Proactive Chassis Control III linked-hydraulic suspension system, tuned specifically for this model, raises the car's dynamic performance even further, and a front ride height 5mm lower than the 750S sharpens the driving experience. Carbon ceramic discs derived from the McLaren Senna handle braking duties, working alongside black six-piston forged aluminium monoblock front callipers with integrated cooling for sustained high-performance driving. The 788HS also introduces the first centre-lock wheel mechanism in this supercar series, paired with a new Super Lightweight Forged Alloy wheel.
A quad-exit titanium exhaust system amplifies the V8's distinctive soundtrack, adding intensity across the rev range, while carefully engineered induction and exhaust sound symposer technologies immerse occupants in the unmistakable roar of McLaren's twin-turbocharged V8.
