McLaren 788HS Showcases a Focused Finish to V8 Supercar History

The Goodwood Festival of Speed sets the stage for McLaren’s next release, the 788HS, which is promoted as the final iteration of a mid-engine V8 supercar line that began with the 720S in 2017 and has since included the 765LT and 750S. The 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 delivers 777 horsepower, a 37-horsepower improvement from the 750S. Not that it counts, but the torque remains at 590 pound-feet, and the engine continues to spin at 8500 rpm.

The acceleration is quick enough to hit 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, 124 mph in 7 seconds, and 205 mph in no time at all. The coupe’s dry weight is a svelte 2789 pounds, thanks to McLaren engineers’ efforts to reduce any unnecessary weight. They retuned the linked hydraulic suspension and sharpened the front end, lowering it by 0.2 inches compared to the 750S, with the intention of increasing body control and steering response.

There’s more, including carbon-ceramic brakes, which are only seen on the Senna, so that speaks volumes about what they’re up to. Six-pot forged aluminium calipers hold the front discs tightly in place. We also obtained our first center-lock wheels on this car, which were lifted directly off the Senna. This vehicle has advanced aerodynamics, producing 10% more downforce than the 765LT. We now have a new S-duct that channels air through the hood and across the cockpit, and the active rear wing has been updated. We also get a larger diffuser; more on that in a minute.

Its aerodynamic components are made of carbon fiber, because why not? Because you are receiving symposer tuning, the crew has also incorporated a quad-exit titanium exhaust, allowing you to enjoy the engine sound from start to finish. The improved engine-mount calibration allows for an almost direct connection from powerplant to driver.

The interior has been redone, and they just went a bit further, so no one is complaining. It has a carbon fiber center console, seats with a new perforation pattern, and a special number plate with distinguishing badging. Only 200 of these will be built, with half coupes and half spiders developed by McLaren’s Special Operations division. Owners can customize the colors, materials, liveries, and other interesting elements to make each one truly unique.

You’re looking at a starting price of £450,000 before you even consider all the choices. The 750S already costs that much, so adding all of the bells and whistles will make this car even more pricey. Until recently, the HS badge was rather uncommon, appearing on only two other McLarens in history. This is it, the third installment, and it concludes the current platform saga, but a new generation is just around the way.