McLaren has unveiled the new 788HS at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the most extreme evolution of its Super Series platform. Limited to just 100 Coupes and 100 Spiders worldwide, the 788HS brings the curtain down on the 720S, 750S and 765LT bloodline with more power, less weight and the most sophisticated aerodynamic package yet seen on the platform.
More significantly, it revives McLaren’s coveted ‘HS’ designation – a badge previously reserved for just two ultra-exclusive models, the 12C High Sport and 688HS – marking it out as the ultimate expression of a series-production McLaren.
Power comes from the latest evolution of McLaren’s familiar 3994cc twin-turbocharged M840T V8. Producing 777bhp (788PS) at 7500rpm and 590lb ft between 5500 and 6000rpm, it revs to 8500rpm and is paired with a seven-speed ‘Seamless Shift’ dual clutch gearbox featuring a shorter final-drive ratio. With a dry weight of just 1265kg, the coupe boasts a 0-62mph time of 2.8 seconds and 205mph top speed.
More exciting however is the fact the 788HS features the most sophisticated aerodynamic package ever applied to the Super Series architecture, centred around a raised active rear spoiler incorporating both drag reduction and airbrake functions, an all-new Formula 1-inspired rear diffuser and a sculpted front end featuring an S-duct to reduce lift while improving airflow through the body. Underbody louvres beneath the rear wing further enhance cooling, with every aerodynamic surface designed to serve a functional purpose rather than simply visual drama.
McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control III hydraulic suspension has been recalibrated and the ride height lowered by 5mm compared with the 750S, while carbon-ceramic brakes derived from the Senna sit behind new centre-lock forged alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres. The objective, says McLaren, was to create the most engaging and confidence-inspiring version of the platform without sacrificing the ride quality.
Visually, the 788HS adopts a far more assertive look than the 750S, with extensive use of exposed carbon fibre and the option of a full Visual Carbon Fibre body. Inside, a lightweight carbon-fibre centre console, bespoke HS trim and the latest infotainment system underline its dual role as both a track-ready, but fully road-capable car.
Every example will be commissioned through McLaren Special Operations, allowing owners to specify unique paint finishes, materials, carbon-fibre treatments and interior details. As part of the launch programme, Octane was invited to configure its own ideal 788HS (see our efforts below…), highlighting the extraordinary breadth of personalisation available through MSO. Pricing has not been confirmed, but it’s expected to start somewhere north of £500k, before any of the spicy options – such as a full carbon body – are added.
The ultimate Octane spec?
Ahead of the launch we were invited behind the scenes at McLaren Special Operations, where Octane was given the opportunity to create its own bespoke version of the 788HS. Led by Bespoke Relationship Manager Lee Duncan and Visualisation and Alias Designer Jonny Harris, the process demonstrated just how central MSO has become to the HS philosophy. Rather than simply selecting from a list of predefined options, the experience felt more akin to working alongside an automotive design studio, with colours, finishes and materials explored in minute detail.
The visit also offered a fascinating glimpse into MSO’s workshops, where customer cars in various stages of completion sat alongside several McLaren F1s undergoing restoration and recommissioning – a reminder that the division is as much custodian of the company’s greatest road cars as it is creator of its newest. I also saw the team hard at work on a secret new project…
Rather than starting with a completely blank canvas, we selected an ‘inspiration piece’ to shape the overall design. Ours came from an unlikely source, one of the author’s favourite watches: Ayrton Senna’s TAG Heuer S/el Chronograph. The distinctive steel-and-gold watch the three-time World Champion wore throughout much of his McLaren career, and its combination of brushed metallic finishes, gold detailing and subtle flashes of red and green provided an interesting visual theme for the car.
We opted for the Coupé over the Spider, not only because it better suits the focused nature of the 788HS, but because it retains the dramatic roof-mounted air intake. The exterior was offset by F1 Gold centre stripes, matching forged wheels and discreet pinstriping, while Goodwood Green was reserved for the brake calipers and active rear wing endplates, where the HS logo is picked out in gold. Carbon fibre was left proudly on display throughout, from the S-duct bonnet and aerodynamic package to the full rear bumper and raised active spoiler.
Inside, a subtle nod to practicality won out over outright weight saving. While many buyers will undoubtedly gravitate towards the more aggressive Senna carbon bucket seats, from previous experience we adore the P1-style Touring carbon-fibre seats, here trimmed in Mojave Tan leather and Carbon Black Alcantara. Combined with the fully upholstered Touring interior rather than the pared-back lightweight cabin, they create a car better suited to longer journeys and road trip duties.
Forest Green contrast panels and stitching complemented the exterior highlights, while the satin carbon gearshift paddles received bespoke F1 Gold detailing with red plus and minus symbols. Even the titanium harness bar, keys and billet pedals were personalised to echo the overall theme. While it could be deemed overkill on the gold detailing, we couldn’t help buy opt for the gold-leaf heat shielding in the engine bay, as another nod to the legendary F1.
For more info, see mclaren.com
