by McLaren 788HS: A farewell masterpiece based on the 750S
Every outstanding sports car deserves a proper farewell, and McLaren, apparently, was not going to let the 720S lineup quietly retire. Meet the new 788HS — the last and most extreme evolution of a family that began almost a decade ago and later spawned the 765LT and today’s 750S.
Technical specifications and performance
The recipe will surprise no one, but the numbers are truly impressive. McLaren tuned the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 from the 750S, which produced 740 hp (750 PS), to 778 hp (788 PS), while keeping the dry weight at just 1,265 kg (2,790 lbs). This yields an impressive 615 hp (623 PS) per ton — the highest figure ever achieved by any member of this generation of supercars.
Straight-line dynamics are, as expected, brutal, though not drastically better than the regular 750S. McLaren claims the same 2.8 seconds to 100 km/h, but the time to 200 km/h (124 mph) is 7.0 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster. More importantly, engineers claim that redesigned engine mounts, a titanium exhaust system with four outlets, and intake tuning create an even more palpable sense of power and response.
As for top speed, the 788HS is slightly slower: its 330 km/h (205 mph) is 2 km/h (1.3 mph) less than the 750S. But this is due to clever new aerodynamic details that generate 10 percent more downforce than even the old hardcore 765LT.
Aerodynamics and chassis
The completely new carbon-fiber aerodynamic package includes a multi-section front splitter, a hood with an S-shaped air intake that eats into trunk space, a higher active rear wing, and a Formula-1-inspired diffuser. Additionally, choosing the coupe version gets you a low roof-mounted air intake.
The chassis has also received plenty of attention. Front ride height has been reduced by 5 mm (0.2 inches), the linked hydraulic suspension has been specially tuned, carbon-ceramic brakes from the Senna are fitted, and for the first time on this platform, buyers get center-lock wheels. Inside, the cabin remains driver-focused with lightweight carbon trim and exclusive HS details.
Production and price
Only 200 units will be built, split evenly between Coupe and Spider models. Each car will be individually commissioned through McLaren Special Operations (MSO) and will undoubtedly cost well over $400,000.
McLaren 788HS becomes not just another limited series, but a true technical manifesto. The company’s engineers managed to squeeze the maximum out of the 720S platform, focusing not only on pure power but also on aerodynamic efficiency and handling. Reducing top speed in favor of better downforce is a conscious choice in favor of track dynamics, making this model an ideal tool for circuit driving. Given the limited run of 200 cars and the exclusivity offered by MSO, the 788HS has every chance of becoming not only the last but also the most desirable member of its family, whose value on the secondary market will likely skyrocket.
