McLaren 788HS is a fitting finale to stellar supercar series
McLaren has revealed what it calls ‘the final evolution of its supercar lineage’.
Yes, this is the 788HS, the fourth McLaren supercar in a stellar series that’s seen the 720S, 765LT and 750S all come before it.
Powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 788PS (777bhp), 800Nm of torque and 7,500rpm, the 788HS can sprint from 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of 205mph. On-track performance is what McLaren is aiming to prioritise here, and the 788HS has a 1,265kg dry weight thanks to its carbon fibre monocoque chassis and lightweight interior components, which delivers a 623 per tonne power-to-weight ratio. The 788HS also wears the ‘High Sport’ badge, only seen before on the MP4-12C HS and MSO HS models.
Only 200 McLaren 788HS vehicles will be made, with an equal split across coupe and spider variants. Every 788HS will be made unique through the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) team.
“A fitting finale for a much loved and critically acclaimed car”
Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Automotive said: “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.”
Design changes boost performance
The 788HS’s sculpted look has been designed to be more aerodynamically efficient than ever and the new model has 10% more downforce than the 765LT, thanks in part to a Formula 1-inspired diffuser. It also has a 5mm lower front ride height than the 750S and a Proactive Chassis Control III linked-hydraulic suspension system with bespoke suspension tuning, delivering even better performance.
There’s also better braking thanks to the use of carbon ceramic discs derived from the McLaren Senna, which sit near black six-piston forged aluminium monoblock front calipers. 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.
McLaren has made sure than V8 will really roar by fitting a quad-exit titanium exhaust system.
words: Mike Booth
pictures & video: McLaren Automotive