McLaren has officially revealed the 788HS, the final and most extreme evolution of the supercar lineage that began with the 720S in 2017. This limited-edition swansong closes out a bloodline that also produced the 765LT (2020) and the 750S (2023) — and it’s going out in spectacular style, with more power, sharper aerodynamics, less weight, and a strictly capped production run.
What Is the McLaren 788HS?
The 788HS takes the 750S as its base and pushes every element further: a more powerful engine, optimized aerodynamics, reduced mass, and true limited-edition exclusivity. It will be offered in two body styles — Coupé and Spider — and both are built by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), meaning every single car will be personalized to its owner’s specifications.
The Meaning Behind the Name
- 788 refers to the engine’s power output in metric horsepower (PS)
- HS stands for High Sport — a designation McLaren has used only twice before, on extremely rare models (the 2012 MP4-12C HS and the 2016 MSO HS), making the 788HS just the third car ever to wear it
Exterior Design: A New Carbon Fiber Aero Package
The most striking visual update is an entirely new carbon fiber body kit, engineered as much for performance as for looks. Key exterior changes include:
- A multi-section front splitter for improved airflow
- A new hood with an integrated air intake (S-duct)
- An enlarged, active rear wing
- A Formula 1-inspired rear diffuser
- A roof-mounted air scoop (Coupé version only)
Inside, the cabin gains subtle carbon fiber trim and exclusive hardware finishes, while retaining the driver-focused layout McLaren fans expect.
Chassis and Suspension Upgrades
McLaren also reworked the chassis to match the car’s more aggressive character:
- Ride height lowered by 5 mm compared to the 750S
- Specially tuned active suspension
- Carbon-ceramic brakes borrowed from the McLaren Senna
- Center-lock wheels — a first for this model family
Engine and Performance Specs
At the heart of the 788HS is the familiar twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, now pushed further than ever:
- Power: boosted from 750 hp to 788 PS (roughly 777 hp)
- Torque: 800 Nm (590 lb-ft)
- Redline: 8,500 rpm
- Dry weight: 1,265 kg (2,789 lbs)
- Power-to-weight ratio: up to 623 hp per tonne — a record for the entire model family
Acceleration and Top Speed
- 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): 2.8 seconds — unchanged from the 750S
- 0–200 km/h (0–124 mph): 7.0 seconds — 0.2 seconds quicker than before
- Top speed: 330 km/h (205 mph) — 2 km/h slower than the 750S, a trade-off McLaren accepted in exchange for 10% more downforce than the 765LT
To sharpen the driving experience further, McLaren re-engineered the engine mounts, fitted a new titanium exhaust with four tailpipes, and retuned the intake system for a more intense, engaging soundtrack.
Production Numbers and Pricing
The McLaren 788HS is a true limited edition:
- Total production: just 200 units
- Split: 100 Coupés and 100 Spiders
- Customization: every car finished by McLaren Special Operations (MSO)
- Starting price: from £450,000 — a significant step up from the £250,000 750S, with final pricing varying widely depending on personalization
The End of an Era
The 788HS doesn’t just cap off the 750S — it marks the conclusion of an entire supercar generation stretching back to the 720S. McLaren has confirmed it will reveal its next-generation plans in the coming months, so this is very much a “last hurrah” for the current V8 supercar formula before the brand moves in a new direction.
Photo: Sergey Sechnev
This is a translation. You can read the original article here: McLaren 788HS ознаменует прощание с семейством седьмой серии
Published July 10, 2026 • 4m to read
