McLaren 788HS Unveiled With 777 Horsepower and a 205 MPH Top Speed
The McLaren 788HS has officially arrived, offering one of the most extreme road-going McLarens ever built. The limited-production model boasts 777 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 and has a top speed of 205 mph, representing the final and most focused evolution of the company’s acclaimed 720S and 750S family. McLaren describes it as the ultimate high-performance sports car and will produce only 200 of them worldwide. The 788HS is more powerful, lighter, better aerodynamically and better engineered for the track. The company has enhanced just about every aspect of the car, not just added horsepower, to deliver collectors and performance enthusiasts a more focused driving experience.
Why did McLaren even build the 788HS?
The 788HS isn’t just another special edition it’s the closing chapter of a significant part of McLaren’s supercar lineup. This new model follows the path laid out by the 720S and refined by the 750S, wearing the rare High Sport (HS) badge that has only ever been on two McLaren road cars. Limited to just 100 Coupe and 100 Spider models, each car is individually tailored by McLaren Special Operations (MSO). The exclusivity is expected to make the 788HS one of the brand’s most sought-after modern collectibles.
Why Is The McLaren 788HS Quicker Than The 750S?
Performance gains are much more than simply adding power. The familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 has been tuned to deliver 777 hp (788 PS) while retaining the 590 lb-ft of torque. With a dry weight of only 2,789 pounds, the supercar has an amazing power-to-weight ratio. The car’s light construction enables hypercar-like acceleration without requiring a hybrid powertrain.
- 777 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.
- 0-60 mph: 2.8 seconds.
- 0-124 mph in 7.0 sec.
- Maximum speed: 205 mph.
What Improvements Has McLaren Made to Handling and Aerodynamics?
McLaren updated their aerodynamics package with a new front splitter, S-duct hood, Formula 1 inspired rear diffuser, revised rear wing and optimised airflow management. Combined, these upgrades deliver about 10 per cent more downforce than the already track-focused 765LT. The upgrades aim to improve cornering stability and driver confidence while maintaining everyday usability.
- Hydraulic suspension, retuned.
- Lower ride height at the front.
- Carbon-ceramic brakes from Senna.
- New forged centre-lock wheels.
- Titanium exhaust system for better sound and lighter weight.
Why Is the McLaren 788HS Significant for Collectors?
The 788HS is yet another example of the strong collector interest traditionally seen in McLaren’s limited-production models. The final evolution of the current V8-powered 720S family, this model offers exclusivity, bespoke MSO customisation and some of the highest performance figures ever offered in this platform. Industry observers have also said it’s seen as a bridge to McLaren’s next generation of high-performance supercars. For buyers, the 788HS is more than just speed it’s the closing chapter to one of McLaren’s most successful supercar lineups.
Sources
- Car and Driver: Official reveal, 777 hp output, 205 mph top speed, weight reduction, aerodynamic improvements, production numbers.
- Motor1: 200-unit production, Coupe/Spider split, carbon-fiber options, chassis and suspension details.
- Autoblog: Performance figures, power-to-weight ratio, Senna-derived braking system, suspension upgrades.
- Road & Track: Positioning as the final evolution of the 720S/750S family and exclusivity details.
- Evo: Titanium exhaust, drivetrain refinements, acceleration data, engineering updates.
