McLaren has officially drawn the curtain on one of its most celebrated supercar families with the unveiling of the all-new 788HS – the most powerful, most focused, and most exclusive evolution of the platform that began with the groundbreaking 720S.
Serving as the final chapter in a lineage that includes the 720S, 765LT and 750S, the new 788HS wears the coveted High Sport (HS) badge – a designation previously reserved for just two models: the MP4-12C HS and the MSO HS. It represents everything McLaren has learned from nearly a decade of refining its V8 supercar formula into one ultimate machine.
At its heart is a reworked version of McLaren’s familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, now producing 788 PS and 800 Nm of torque. Combined with an impressively low dry weight of just 1,265 kg, the result is a remarkable 623 PS per tonne – the highest power-to-weight ratio ever achieved by any model in the 720S family.
Performance figures remain suitably outrageous. The 788HS sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds, reaches 200 km/h in 7.0 seconds, and continues on to a top speed of 330 km/h.
However, McLaren says outright acceleration wasn’t the sole objective. Instead, the focus was on delivering the most engaging driving experience possible, whether carving through mountain roads or chasing lap times on a circuit.
One of the biggest improvements comes in the aerodynamics department. The 788HS receives the most aggressive aero package ever fitted to this platform, generating 10% more downforce than the already hardcore 765LT.
The package includes a new S-Duct bonnet, redesigned front splitter, raised active rear spoiler, Formula 1-inspired rear diffuser and a louvred under-wing panel that improves both cooling and aerodynamic efficiency. Together, they promise greater stability at high speeds while preserving the balanced handling characteristics McLaren is known for.
The chassis has also been sharpened. The familiar Proactive Chassis Control III linked-hydraulic suspension receives bespoke tuning, while the front ride height sits 5 mm lower than the 750S for even more responsive turn-in and body control.
Stopping power has also been upgraded with carbon ceramic brakes derived from the McLaren Senna, paired with six-piston forged aluminium front calipers and improved cooling for consistent performance during repeated hard use.
For the first time on this supercar platform, McLaren has also fitted centre-lock forged alloy wheels, further reducing unsprung mass while reinforcing the car’s motorsport-inspired character.
The experience isn’t just visual or mechanical—it is also auditory. A newly developed quad-exit titanium exhaust system, combined with revised induction and sound symposer technology, delivers a louder, richer and more emotional soundtrack throughout the rev range.
McLaren has even recalibrated the engine mounts to increase the sensation of connection between the driver and the twin-turbocharged V8 without sacrificing everyday usability.
Inside, the cabin remains unmistakably McLaren but receives a number of exclusive touches, including a lightweight carbon fibre centre console, bespoke HS badging, unique upholstery perforation patterns and a dedicated plaque celebrating the model’s place in McLaren history.
Customers seeking even greater exclusivity can commission extensive personalisation through McLaren Special Operations (MSO), including the option of full Visual Carbon Fibre bodywork finished in either gloss or satin.
Rather than reinventing its winning formula, the McLaren 788HS refines it to its absolute limit. As emissions regulations tighten and the industry shifts towards electrification, it stands as a fitting farewell to one of the finest twin-turbo V8 supercar platforms of the modern era—lighter, faster, sharper and more engaging than ever before.
