New McLaren 788HS: The pinnacle of an era-defining series of supercars

• Introducing the McLaren 788HS – the definitive and final evolution of the award-winning McLaren 720S, 750S and 765LT supercar series
• ‘High Sport’ delivers 788PS from its 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine
• Advanced aero package, in all carbon fibre, features a multi-zone front splitter, bonnet with S-duct, raised active rear spoiler and racing-inspired diffuser
• Every example made unique through McLaren Special Operations (MSO)
• Production is limited to 200 vehicles globally, with equal split across coupe and spider variants

McLaren introduces the new 788HS – the definitive and final evolution of its award-winning series supercar that celebrates and concludes the multi-award-winning supercar lineage that began with 720S and evolved through 765LT and 750S.

The 788HS features a 788PS 4.0-litre twin turbo V8, which combines with a 1,265kg dry weight to deliver a power-to-weight of 623PS per tonne – the highest achieved by any model in the 720S, 750S and 765LT series. When coupled with the unique aerodynamic package, amplified exterior design cues and personalisation possibilities, the result is heightened performance on track, even greater engagement on the road, and the chance for each client to celebrate the car’s era-defining linage in their own way using the expertise of McLaren Special Operations (MSO).

The McLaren 788HS wears the ‘High Sport’ designation reserved only for the most special expressions of a series production McLaren. Until now, this rare badge has only appeared on two previous McLarens; the MP4-12C HS and the MSO HS.

“The new McLaren 788HS has been designed and engineered with a singular focus; to deliver a visceral experience and captivating drive through its precise balance of performance, sound, dynamism and individuality. It represents the ultimate expression of our supercar series that began with the 720S and becomes only the third McLaren to wear our HS designation – a fitting finale for a much loved and critically acclaimed car.”
Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Automotive

Assertive design
The McLaren 788HS features sculpted bodywork elements that provide the most advanced aerodynamic package ever applied to the platform, increasing downforce by 10% over 765LT, with uncompromised vehicle dynamics and balance.  

The aerodynamic concept centres around a new S-Duct bonnet, a raised active rear spoiler and an intricate Formula 1-inspired rear diffuser. Working in combination with a bespoke front splitter, these elements enhance stability, performance and driver confidence. The louvred under-wing panel further supports powertrain cooling and aerodynamic efficiency.

Gloss black exterior accents include a roof scoop on Coupe derivatives, and clients can opt for full Visual Carbon Fibre bodywork – encompassing every exterior panel – highlighting the car’s lightweight construction.

The driver centric cabin layout includes a lightweight carbon fibre centre console that signifies the level of focus applied to every aspect of 788HS.

The cabin also features bespoke HS branding with a unique perforation pattern for the upholstery and a dedication plaque.

Track precision meets on-road engagement
The heart of the 788HS is McLaren’s M840T 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, which revs to 8,500rpm and develops peak power at 7,500rpm. With 800Nm of torque it delivers immediate response and sustained acceleration – from 0-100km/h in 2.8s, 0-200km/h in 7.0s, to a top speed of 330km/h (205mph). A unique engine mount calibration for 788HS delivers heightened engagement and connection between powertrain and driver without compromising long-distance usability.

Proactive Chassis Control III linked-hydraulic suspension system with bespoke suspension tuning delivers even higher levels of dynamic performance. The 788HS also features a 5mm lower front ride height than the 750S, for a more dynamic and engaging driving experience.

Braking performance is enhanced through carbon ceramic discs derived from the McLaren Senna, with black six-piston forged aluminium monoblock front calipers and integrated cooling for sustained high-performance use. The 788HS also introduces the first centre-lock wheel mechanism ever fitted to this supercar series, in combination with a new Super Lightweight Forged Alloy wheel.

The quad-exit titanium exhaust system amplifies the V8’s distinctive soundtrack, with more intensity throughout the rev range, while carefully engineered induction and exhaust sound symposer technologies immerse occupants in the unmistakable soundtrack of McLaren’s twin-turbocharged V8.

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Technical Highlights of 788HS

Powertrain

• 4.0-litre M840T twin-turbocharged V8 engine
• Lightweight forged pistons
• Ultra-low inertia twin scroll turbochargers
• Twin fuel pumps
• Peak power output of 788PS (777bhp) at 7,500rpm
• Peak torque of 800Nm (590lb ft) at 5,500rpm

Lightweight engineering

• Carbon fibre monocoque chassis
• High-performance, lightweight materials throughout with advanced carbon fibre technologies for body components
• New HS aerodynamic package, all in carbon fibre
• Lightweight interior components
• Dry weight of 1,265kg
• Power to weight ratio of 623PS per tonne, the highest in this supercar series
• Optional full visual carbon fibre body available in gloss or satin finishes

Aerodynamics

• Multi-zone front splitter
• S-Duct bonnet
• Raised active rear spoiler
• Louvred under wing panel
•  Formula 1-inspired diffuser with 10% increase in downforce compared with McLaren 765LT

Chassis and suspension

• Linked-hydraulic Proactive Chassis Control III suspension system
• Bespoke suspension calibration
• Adaptive dampers
• Front ride height lowered by 5mm versus 750S
• Enhanced body control, precision and responsiveness

Braking system

• Carbon ceramic brake discs derived from McLaren Senna
• Six piston forged aluminum monoblock front calipers
• Racing inspired integrated brake caliper cooling ducts
• Enhanced pedal feel and stopping performance
• Improved consistency during sustained high-performance driving

Wheels

• New Super Lightweight Forged Alloy wheel design
• Centre lock wheel fixing system

Driver engagement

• Revised quad-exit titanium exhaust system
• Unique engine mount calibration
• Heightened connection between powertrain and driver
• Maintains long distance usability

Exhaust and sound

• Quad exit titanium exhaust system
• Enhanced start up character
• Richer and more intense sound at higher engine speeds
• Revised induction and exhaust symposer technologies
• Twin-turbocharged V8 soundtrack

Driver focused technology

• Steering column mounted instrument binnacle
• Steering wheel mounted Powertrain and Handling mode controls
• McLaren Infotainment System II
• McLaren Control Launcher (MCL)
• Lightweight carbon fibre centre console

Notes to editors:
A selection of high-resolution images accompanying this release is available to download from the McLaren Automotive media site – cars.mclaren.press

About McLaren Automotive:
McLaren Automotive is a producer of ultra high-performance, lightweight supercars. Launched in 2010, the company is part of McLaren Group Holdings.

Headquartered at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, Surrey, England, McLaren Automotive is driven by the challenge of creating the world’s most exhilarating, engaging and benchmark setting vehicles. Leveraging over 60 years of history in authentic, racing performance, McLaren has delivered some of the most spectacular supercars ever made.

The company’s product portfolio of GTS, supercar, Motorsport and Ultimate models are retailed in over 40 markets around the world. Its cars are assembled by hand at the McLaren Production Centre (MPC), based on the same MTC campus that is also the home of McLaren Racing.

About McLaren Group Holdings:
Established in April 2025, McLaren Group Holdings Limited acts as the governance umbrella for CYVN’s portfolio and investments in the UK and guides the vision of its shareholder. CYVN Holdings is an advanced mobility operator and investment vehicle based in Abu Dhabi.

McLaren Group Holdings oversees McLaren Automotive, recently combined with CYVN’s anchor investment in the UK, Forseven. The new Group also includes CYVN’s shareholding in McLaren Racing and the newly formed McLaren Licensing business.

With a reputation for innovation and technological excellence, McLaren is one of the UK’s largest independent companies.

Further information:

Kirsty Dobbs
Media Communications Manager
+44 (0) 7407 798 567
kirsty.dobbs@mclaren.com

Media website: cars.mclaren.press