McLaren has officially pulled the wraps off the McLaren 788HS, a limited-production supercar that serves as the grand finale for one of the brand’s most successful generations. Built as a send-off for the 720S, 765LT, and 750S family, the new model blends more power, sharper aerodynamics, and extensive customisation into an ultra-exclusive package.
Limited to just 200 cars worldwide, 100 Coupe models and 100 Spider variants, the 788HS is positioned as a collector’s car and a preview of McLaren’s next chapter.
TL;DR
- McLaren has unveiled the 788HS in Coupe and Spider body styles.
- Production is limited to 200 units globally.
- The twin-turbo V8 produces 777 hp and 800 Nm of torque.
- The supercar sprints from 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and reaches 330 km/h (205 mph).
- Every car will be individually customised by McLaren Special Operations (MSO).
- The 788HS marks the final evolution of the 720S, 765LT, and 750S platform before McLaren introduces its next-generation supercars.
What Is the McLaren 788HS?
The McLaren 788HS is the latest model to carry the company’s exclusive High Sport (HS) badge, reserved for limited-production cars that push McLaren’s performance engineering beyond its standard road-car lineup.
Rather than introducing an entirely new platform, the 788HS represents the ultimate evolution of the architecture underpinning the 720S, 765LT, and 750S. It combines increased performance, enhanced aerodynamics, and bespoke craftsmanship, making it both a high-performance machine and a collector’s item.
With only 100 Coupe and 100 Spider models planned, exclusivity is central to the car’s appeal.
How Powerful Is the McLaren 788HS?
At the heart of the 788HS is McLaren’s familiar twin-turbocharged V8 engine, tuned to deliver:
- 777 horsepower
- 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque
The upgraded powertrain allows the car to deliver blistering acceleration while maintaining the lightweight philosophy that has long defined McLaren’s road cars.
Although McLaren has not disclosed every engineering update behind the power increase, the figures place the 788HS among the most potent road-going models based on the current platform.
Performance: Built for Speed
The performance numbers reinforce the 788HS’s status as a track-focused yet road-legal supercar.
Key performance specifications
- Engine: Twin-turbocharged V8
- Power: 777 hp
- Torque: 800 Nm
- 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 2.8 seconds
- Top speed: 330 km/h (205 mph)
The Coupe variant weighs just over 1,260 kilograms, resulting in an impressive power-to-weight ratio that contributes to its rapid acceleration and agile handling.
For buyers seeking even lower weight, McLaren offers an optional full carbon-fibre body, further reducing mass while enhancing exclusivity.
What Makes the Design Different?
The 788HS receives a series of visual and functional upgrades designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency while distinguishing it from the rest of McLaren’s lineup.
Aerodynamic improvements
The supercar features:
- A redesigned front splitter
- A raised active rear spoiler
- A revised hood with an integrated S-duct
- Enhanced airflow management to reduce turbulence
These components are designed to generate additional downforce while improving high-speed stability.
Lightweight engineering
The 788HS also rides on:
- Forged center-lock wheels
- Senna-derived carbon-ceramic brakes
- A revised hydraulic suspension system
McLaren says the front axle sits 5 mm lower than the 750S, helping sharpen steering response and improve cornering performance.
The suspension changes are intended to provide greater precision without sacrificing ride quality, a hallmark of McLaren’s hydraulic chassis technology.
Every 788HS Is a Bespoke Build
One of the defining characteristics of the 788HS is its level of personalisation.
Every example will be handcrafted and customised through McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the automaker’s in-house personalization division.
Owners can tailor nearly every aspect of the car, including:
- Exterior paint finishes
- Carbon-fiber detailing
- Interior materials
- Color combinations
- Personalized trim elements
With only 200 units being produced, it’s unlikely that any two cars will be identical.
Why Is the 788HS Significant?
Beyond its impressive specifications, the 788HS represents the conclusion of a highly successful generation of McLaren supercars.
The model effectively serves as a farewell to the family that began with the groundbreaking 720S before evolving into the more focused 765LT and the refined 750S.
It also becomes only the third McLaren to wear the prestigious High Sport (HS) designation.
Previous High Sport models
- 2012 MP4-12C HS
- 2016 MSO HS
- 2026 McLaren 788HS
That lineage gives the new model additional significance among collectors and enthusiasts.
What Comes Next for McLaren?
While the 788HS closes one chapter, McLaren has already hinted at what’s ahead.
CEO Nick Collins has said the company will reveal more details about its future plans later this summer.
Industry observers expect at least one of two major developments:
A next-generation supercar
The most likely successor is an all-new model that replaces the current 720S/750S architecture with updated technology, improved hybrid performance, and a redesigned chassis.
An SUV?
McLaren has also been linked to a potential high-performance SUV—a segment already occupied by rivals such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and Porsche.
Although the company has not confirmed such a project, speculation continues as luxury performance brands increasingly expand beyond traditional sports cars.
The Bottom Line
The McLaren 788HS isn’t simply another special edition—it serves as the final expression of one of the company’s most celebrated supercar platforms.
Combining 777 horsepower, advanced aerodynamics, lightweight engineering, and extensive MSO personalisation, the limited-run model is likely to become one of the most sought-after modern McLarens.
With only 200 examples destined for customers worldwide, the 788HS marks the end of the 720S era while offering a glimpse of where McLaren could be headed next.
