McLaren 788HS Revealed: The Final and Most Extreme 750S Evolution
McLaren has revealed a new limited-production supercar that takes the 750S formula to an even more aggressive level. Meet the 788HS, a lightweight V8 machine built as the final chapter of the 720S family.
The End of an Important McLaren Era
The McLaren 788HS is not simply another special edition.
It represents the final evolution of a McLaren supercar family that started with the 720S in 2017, continued with the more focused 765LT, and later developed into the 750S.
The new 788HS takes that formula further with more power, less weight and a much more aggressive aerodynamic package.
The Numbers That Make the 788HS Special
A More Powerful 4.0-Litre Twin-Turbo V8
At the centre of the 788HS is a heavily revised version of McLaren’s familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8.
It produces 788 PS, which is around 777 horsepower using the imperial measurement commonly used in the United States.
Maximum torque is rated at 800 Nm.
Power reaches its peak at 7,500 rpm, while the engine can continue revving to 8,500 rpm. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
The 788HS is about more than a bigger power number. McLaren has also worked on how the engine feels and sounds from behind the wheel.
How Fast Is the McLaren 788HS?
The 788HS is extremely quick, even though its straight-line acceleration is not dramatically different from some earlier members of the family.
0–100 km/h
McLaren claims approximately 2.8 seconds.
0–200 km/h
The claimed time is approximately 7.0 seconds.
Top Speed
McLaren quotes 330 km/h, or around 205 mph.
Drive System
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
These figures are based on McLaren’s claimed specifications and performance data. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
The Aerodynamics Are the Real Star
McLaren did not simply add more engine power and call it a day.
The 788HS receives a completely redesigned aerodynamic package intended to create more grip and stability at high speed.
New Front Splitter
A larger multi-section carbon-fibre splitter helps manage airflow around the front of the car.
S-Duct Bonnet
A new S-Duct sends air through the front of the car and over the cockpit.
Raised Active Rear Wing
The new rear wing is much more dramatic and helps increase aerodynamic performance.
F1-Inspired Diffuser
The rear diffuser uses ideas inspired by Formula 1 aerodynamic development.
Less Weight, More Focus
Weight is one of the most important parts of McLaren’s driving philosophy.
Instead of making the 788HS heavier with unnecessary equipment, engineers have worked to keep the car extremely light.
The claimed dry weight is just 1,265 kg.
That gives the 788HS an impressive power-to-weight ratio of about 623 PS per tonne. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
In a lightweight supercar, every kilogram matters. The 788HS shows that McLaren is still serious about keeping its cars light and responsive.
Chassis Upgrades for More Control
The 788HS also receives several changes underneath the bodywork.
Revised Hydraulic Suspension
McLaren’s hydraulic suspension system has been specially tuned for the 788HS.
Lower Front Ride Height
The front of the car sits 5 mm lower than the 750S.
Senna-Derived Brakes
Carbon-ceramic brakes derived from the McLaren Senna provide serious stopping power.
Centre-Lock Wheels
For the first time in this 720S family, the 788HS uses centre-lock wheels.
A Titanium Exhaust With a Louder Personality
Sound is another important part of the 788HS experience.
McLaren has fitted a lightweight titanium exhaust system with four exits.
The system is designed not only to reduce weight but also to give the V8 a stronger and more intense sound as engine speed rises.
Coupe or Spider?
McLaren will offer the 788HS in two body styles.
Every car will also be individually commissioned through McLaren Special Operations, allowing owners to create highly personalised specifications. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
McLaren Special Operations Makes Each One Different
With only 200 cars planned, McLaren is treating the 788HS as a very special collector-focused model.
Buyers can work with McLaren Special Operations, commonly known as MSO, to create individual specifications.
Personalised Colours
Owners can create a specification that reflects their own taste.
Special Carbon Fibre
Highly customised exposed-carbon finishes are available.
Bespoke Details
MSO gives owners the opportunity to add individual design touches throughout the car.
Limited Production
With only 200 examples, every specification is likely to become part of the car’s individual identity.
Inside the 788HS
The cabin remains focused on the driver rather than trying to become a luxury lounge.
Carbon-fibre components and lightweight materials help maintain the performance-focused character.
The interior also receives special HS branding, unique seat details and a plaque showing the car’s limited-production status.
The 788HS is designed to feel like a special driver’s car first and a luxury product second.
From 720S to 788HS: The Evolution
| Model | Role in the Family | Main Idea |
|---|---|---|
| 720S | Beginning of the modern lineage | Lightweight V8 supercar |
| 765LT | Track-focused evolution | More power and sharper performance |
| 750S | Refined successor | More power and improved dynamics |
| 788HS | Final evolution | Maximum focus, aero and exclusivity |
Why Is the 788HS the Final Evolution?
McLaren describes the 788HS as the definitive and final evolution of this supercar lineage.
That means the car closes an important chapter that began with the 720S nearly a decade ago.
Future McLaren models are expected to move the brand in new directions, making the 788HS an interesting final snapshot of the company’s lightweight, twin-turbo V8 supercar philosophy.
Could the 788HS Become a Future Collector’s Car?
It is too early to know how valuable the 788HS will become in the future.
However, several features could make it interesting to collectors.
Only 200 Cars
Very limited production gives the car an immediate level of exclusivity.
Final Generation
The 788HS closes the 720S, 765LT and 750S family tree.
High-Spec Engineering
Lightweight construction, advanced aero and powerful brakes make it technically special.
MSO Personalisation
Individual specifications could make certain examples especially memorable.
McLaren 788HS — Key Specifications
| Specification | McLaren 788HS |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 |
| Power | 788 PS / approximately 777 hp |
| Torque | 800 Nm |
| Redline | 8,500 rpm |
| Transmission | Seven-speed dual-clutch |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Dry Weight | 1,265 kg |
| 0–100 km/h | 2.8 seconds |
| 0–200 km/h | 7.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 330 km/h |
| Production | 200 examples |
| Body Styles | Coupe and Spider |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the McLaren 788HS?
The 788HS is a limited-production McLaren supercar and the final evolution of the 720S, 765LT and 750S lineage.
How much power does the 788HS have?
Its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 produces 788 PS, equivalent to about 777 horsepower.
How many McLaren 788HS cars will be made?
McLaren plans to build 200 cars worldwide, with 100 Coupes and 100 Spider models.
How fast is the McLaren 788HS?
McLaren quotes 0–100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h.
What does HS mean?
HS stands for High Sport, a designation McLaren has previously used for especially exclusive performance models.
Is the 788HS faster than the 750S?
The 788HS has more power and much more aggressive aerodynamics, but its main improvement is overall driver focus rather than simply chasing a much faster acceleration figure.
The 788HS Is More Than a Powerful McLaren
The McLaren 788HS arrives as the final chapter of one of the company’s most important modern supercar families.
Starting with the 720S, the lineage evolved through the 765LT and 750S before reaching this limited-production High Sport model.
With 788 PS, 800 Nm of torque, a 1,265 kg dry weight and a major aerodynamic upgrade, the 788HS pushes the formula further than ever.
But perhaps its most important feature is its place in McLaren history.
Only 200 examples will be built, making the car rare from the beginning. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
For enthusiasts who love lightweight, rear-wheel-drive V8 supercars, the 788HS could become a very memorable farewell to an era.
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