McLaren 788HS: The Final and Most Powerful Evolution of the 700 Series Supercars
McLaren has unveiled the limited-edition mid-engine supercar 788HS from its special projects division MSO (McLaren Special Operations). The main highlight of this model is its lightness (dry weight of just 1,265 kg) combined with a powerful 788-horsepower V8 engine.
In 2017, McLaren introduced the 720S, the progenitor of a new family of mid-engine supercars with a V8 engine. In 2020, the “long-tail” McLaren 765LT arrived, in 2023 the McLaren 720S was replaced by the more powerful and faster 750S, and today the McLaren 788HS has been unveiled — the last in the 700 series. The letters HS in the name stand for High Sport. What will replace the 700 series is not yet known — most likely it will be a supercar with a hybrid powertrain, meaning a heavier one.
The McLaren 788HS is a very light supercar by modern standards, with a dry weight of 1,265 kg. Its body features the most sophisticated carbon-fiber aerodynamic package in the 700 series, including a unique S-shaped air duct in the central part of the front end, a multi-channel front splitter, a developed rear diffuser inspired by Formula 1 cars, a tall active rear wing, and an engine bay ventilation mesh beneath it.
The McLaren 788HS is equipped with the most powerful version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged petrol V8 M840T: here it produces 788 hp at 7,500 rpm and 800 Nm at 5,500 rpm, with a maximum crankshaft speed of 8,500 rpm. All power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a robotic 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. New “sensitive” engine mounts and a new titanium exhaust system with dramatic sound have been developed for the engine to maximize the driver’s emotional engagement in the driving process.
The ground clearance of the McLaren 788HS has been reduced by 5 mm compared to the 750S, and the suspension with adaptive dampers has been recalibrated for more precise and stable handling. Powerful carbon-ceramic brakes are borrowed from the McLaren Senna supercar. Lightweight forged wheels, for the first time on 700-series supercars, are secured to the hubs with a center lock nut.
The interior of the McLaren 788HS is generally standard, but with a lightweight center console, and the trim will be individually tailored by MSO specialists to each customer.
The McLaren 788HS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, from 0 to 200 km/h in 7.0 seconds, with a top speed of 330 km/h.
McLaren will produce only 200 examples of the 788HS supercar, with the production run split equally between coupe and convertible body styles. The minimum price is £450,000, and it can be significantly increased depending on the buyer’s special requests.
