Automakers typically save the best for last, and McLaren is no exception. It’s marking the end of the road for the 720S, 765LT, and 750S series with a last hurrah meant to rule them all. The 788HS is the ultimate iteration of Woking’s supercar lineup and comes as either a Coupe or a Spider, with each body style capped at just 100 units.
At the heart of the High Sport is the tried-and-true twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. Output jumps to 777 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, enough for a sprint to 62 mph in just 2.8 seconds. It needs seven seconds flat to hit 124 mph from a standstill and keeps accelerating until it reaches a top speed of 205 mph.
View Price on AmazonCustomers looking for the lightest version will have to forgo the convertible’s open-air thrills and opt for the Coupe. It has a dry weight of just 2,789 pounds, giving the 788HS the best power-to-weight ratio of the series: 614 horsepower per ton. By reaching deeper into their pockets, one-percenters can also ask McLaren to install an optional full carbon-fiber body.
The 788HS is about more than just an upgraded engine and reduced weight. It generates 10 percent more downforce than the already hardcore 765LT thanks to a newly developed aerodynamic package that includes an F1-derived rear diffuser. The new front splitter and raised active rear spoiler also help keep the car glued to the road, while a redesigned hood S-duct reduces the impact of turbulent air.
At the same time, the front axle sits 0.2 inches lower than that of the 750S thanks to a further-refined hydraulic suspension. Stopping power comes from Senna-derived carbon-ceramic discs hiding behind new forged center-lock wheels, marking the debut of this setup on the supercar series.
The 788HS is only the third model to carry the High Sport suffix after the 2012 MP4-12C HS and the 2016 MSO HS. Speaking of McLaren Special Operations, MSO will pamper all 200 cars, so expect each to be heavily customized.
Motor1's Take: As much as we’re sad to see it go, we’re excited about what lies ahead. The company has been tight-lipped about the future, but CEO Nick Collins has promised to share details sometime this summer.
Source: motor1.com
