McLaren 788HS revealed as the farewell to the 720S

McLaren has unveiled the new McLaren 788HS, the final and most extreme evolution of its acclaimed Super Series platform that began with the 720S before spawning the 765LT and the current 750S. Limited to just 200 units worldwide, the new model serves as the final send-off for one of the brand’s most successful generations of road cars.

The 788HS, where HS stands for “High Sport”, joins an exclusive club, becoming only the third McLaren to wear the prestigious designation after the MP4-12C HS and the MSO HS. Production will be split equally between Coupe and Spider variants, with every example individually personalised through McLaren Special Operations (MSO).

More Power, Less Weight

Power comes from a revised version of McLaren’s familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged M840T V8 engine. It now produces 788 PS (777 hp) and 800 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful production version of this engine fitted to the Super Series platform.

Combined with a dry weight of just 1,265 kg, the 788HS achieves a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 623 PS per tonne, the highest ever for any model based on the 720S, 750S or 765LT architecture.

Performance figures include:

• 0-100 km/h: 2.8 seconds
• 0-200 km/h: 7.0 seconds
• Top speed: 330 km/h

The engine has also received unique engine mount calibration to improve driver feedback, while a revised quad-exit titanium exhaust system delivers a louder and more engaging soundtrack.

Aerodynamics Inspired by Formula 1

The most obvious changes come from the new carbon-fibre aerodynamic package, which McLaren says generates 10% more downforce than the already track-focused 765LT.

Key aerodynamic upgrades include:

• Multi-zone carbon-fibre front splitter
• New S-Duct bonnet
• Raised active rear spoiler
• Louvred under-wing panel
• Formula 1-inspired rear diffuser

Customers can also specify a full Visual Carbon Fibre body, available in either gloss or satin finishes, while Coupe models receive a gloss black roof scoop as standard.

Chassis Upgrades for Greater Precision

The 788HS benefits from bespoke tuning of McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control III linked-hydraulic suspension system. The front ride height has been lowered by 5 mm compared with the 750S, improving agility and driver confidence.

Braking performance has also been enhanced with carbon ceramic brake discs derived from the McLaren Senna, paired with six-piston forged aluminium front calipers and integrated cooling ducts.

For the first time in this Super Series family, the 788HS also adopts centre-lock wheels, fitted to new Super Lightweight forged alloy wheels.

Driver-Focused Cabin

Inside, the cabin remains focused on the driver while introducing exclusive 788HS touches. A lightweight carbon-fibre centre console is joined by bespoke HS branding, unique seat perforation patterns and a dedicated plaque.

The latest McLaren Infotainment System II is standard, alongside steering wheel-mounted controls for Powertrain and Handling modes and the McLaren Control Launcher (MCL) for quick access to preferred driving settings.

Limited to 200 Units

Only 200 examples of the McLaren 788HS will be produced globally, evenly split between Coupe and Spider body styles. Each vehicle will be individually customised by McLaren Special Operations, ensuring no two examples are exactly alike.

The GCC, and particularly the UAE, has long been one of McLaren’s strongest markets for ultra-exclusive and limited-production models. Given the region’s appetite for rare, high-performance supercars, it is expected that a number of the 200 cars will make their way to customers across the Gulf. As the final and most focused evolution of the 720S family, the 788HS is set to become one of the most collectible McLarens of its generation.