Top Gear|09. Juli
New McLaren 788HS: Still Want That W1? | 4K
McLaren 788HS: The Last Roar Before a New Era?
While rivals flood the market with electric models, McLaren presents the 788HS – a tribute to the legendary 'Highsport' lineage. This limited edition marks both the end of an era and the start of a strategic overhaul.
The Return of the Highsport Legend
- HS stands for 'Highsport' – a series previously seen only on the MSO HS (2015) and 12C Highsport.
- The 788HS is the third model in this line, limited to 100 coupes and 100 spiders.
- Each car is highly customizable – the price remains undisclosed but is estimated at over £300,000.
Technical Specs & Performance
- Power: 788 PS (metric) / 777 bhp – 38 PS more than the 750S.
- Weight: 1,265 kg dry (12 kg less than the 750S).
- Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds.
- Top Speed: 330 km/h (1 km/h slower than the 750S).
- Despite the power increase, the 788HS is not faster in a straight line due to increased drag from downforce.
Aerodynamics & Design Details
- Front: New splitter with 'fangs', S-duct in the hood (forces nose down, eliminates need for flicks).
- Side: Roof scoop (standard) for engine bay cooling, center-lock wheels (like McLaren F1), Senna brakes.
- Rear: Large active rear wing (10% more downforce than 765LT), new diffuser with F1-inspired slots, quad exhaust.
- Weight: 1,265 kg dry – 12 kg less than the 750S despite extensive aero additions.
Interior: Familiar Cockpit, Extreme Seats
- The cabin is largely unchanged from the 720S (9 years old) – a criticism of McLaren's lack of diversity.
- Senna seats remain among the most extreme in any car.
- The roof scoop reduces rear visibility but improves engine cooling.
McLaren's Future: SUVs, Front-Engines, and a New Direction
- Company Turmoil: McLaren merged with British startup 47 (backed by Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund) to secure financial stability.
- New CEO: Nick Collins (ex-JLR) aims to diversify the lineup – expect an SUV and possibly a front-engine grand tourer.
- Concept car likely later this year; the 788HS may be the last non-hybrid McLaren.
- The 788HS is both a celebration of McLaren's heritage and a bittersweet farewell to the pure combustion era.
