McLaren 788HS: Allegedly the Best and Final V8 Supercar Iteration

McLaren has pulled the wraps off the 788HS at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, billing it as the “definitive and final evolution” of its V8 supercar lineage that began with the 720S in 2017.

The new model revives the High Sport (HS) badge last seen on the MP4-12C HS and MSO HS, positioning the 788HS as a track-focused halo car with just 100 coupes and 100 spiders earmarked for global buyers.

The twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 now pumps out 777 PS (766 HP) and 590 lb-ft of torque, up 37 PS from the 750S and 22 PS over the 765LT.

McLaren quotes a 0–60 mph sprint in 2.8 seconds, a 0–124 mph time of 7.0 seconds, and a top speed of 205 mph—matching the 765LT’s top end despite the added aero.

The chassis rides 0.2 inch lower than the 750S, runs center-lock wheels (with a super-lightweight option), and tips the scales at 2,789 lb dry—26 lb lighter than a 750S but 80 lb heavier than a 765LT—yielding a power-to-weight ratio of 614 HP per tonne.

Carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston forged-aluminum front calipers (Senna-derived), linked-hydraulic suspension with HS-specific tuning, and a quad-exit titanium exhaust round out the mechanical upgrades.

The aero package delivers 10% more downforce than the 765LT, thanks to an S-duct in the hood, a prominent splitter with flics, aggressive side skirts, a new F1-inspired lower diffuser, and a large active rear wing with adjustable angles.

The interior features a perforated upholstery pattern, a carbon-fiber center console, and 788HS badging plus a serial-number plaque.

Exposed carbon-fiber bodywork and a roof scoop (coupes only) are available for the first time, while MSO will offer full customization.

Pricing hasn’t been announced, but McLaren’s chief commercial officer Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer framed the 788HS as the ultimate expression of the 720S lineage and a fitting finale before a hybrid-V8 successor arrives—likely around 2027 on the W1 platform.