{"id":521832,"date":"2026-07-12T04:12:26","date_gmt":"2026-07-12T04:12:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/521832\/"},"modified":"2026-07-12T04:12:26","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T04:12:26","slug":"the-mclaren-788hs-the-end-of-an-era-and-what-a-send-off-it-is-tarmac-life-motoring-tech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/521832\/","title":{"rendered":"The McLaren 788HS – The End of an Era, and What a Send-Off It Is | Tarmac Life | Motoring | Tech"},"content":{"rendered":"

McLaren just dropped the final curtain call on the 720S\/750S\/765LT supercar lineage, and they\u2019re going out with a bang. Enter the McLaren 788HS: the third and final car to earn the coveted \u201cHigh Sport\u201d badge in McLaren\u2019s illustrious history.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Numbers Are Absolutely Ridiculous<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s talk about what makes the 788HS tick. This thing packs 788PS from a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that screams to 8,500rpm and hits peak power at 7,500rpm. What\u2019s more, McLaren managed to keep the dry weight down to just 1,265kg, which translates to a power-to-weight ratio of 623PS per tonne, the highest figure achieved by any model in this entire supercar series. <\/p>\n

What that translates to is 0-100km\/h in 2.8 seconds, 0-200km\/h in 7.0 seconds, and a top speed of 330km\/h. These numbers don\u2019t just look good on a spec sheet; they\u2019ll genuinely change how you feel about acceleration.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Aero Game Is Next Level<\/p>\n

The 788HS doesn\u2019t just look meaner than its predecessors, it\u2019s actually engineered to be meaner. The advanced aerodynamic package includes a multi-zone front splitter, an S-Duct bonnet, a raised active rear spoiler, and a Formula 1-inspired diffuser that increases downforce by 10% over the 765LT. Every single aerodynamic component is crafted from carbon fibre, because apparently McLaren believes in practicing what they preach about lightweight engineering.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The cabin isn\u2019t left behind either. It features a lightweight carbon fibre centre console, bespoke HS branding with unique perforation patterns, and a dedication plaque, the kind of touches that remind you this isn\u2019t just another supercar. Clients can even opt for full visual carbon fibre bodywork covering every exterior panel, turning the whole thing into a carbon fibre fever dream.<\/p>\n

Chassis Dynamics That\u2019ll Make You Believe in Magic<\/p>\n

The real magic happens where rubber meets tarmac. The Proactive Chassis Control III suspension system features bespoke tuning specifically engineered for the 788HS. McLaren dropped the front ride height by 5mm compared to the 750S, creating a more aggressive stance and sharper handling characteristics.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The braking system deserves its own paragraph because it\u2019s absolutely bonkers. Carbon ceramic discs sourced from the McLaren Senna are paired with six-piston forged aluminium monoblock front calipers and integrated cooling ducts. For the first time in this supercar series, the 788HS introduces a centre-lock wheel mechanism, paired with brand-new Super Lightweight Forged Alloy wheels. This isn\u2019t just about looking cool (though it definitely does); it\u2019s about shaving grams wherever possible and improving the entire mechanical sympathy between driver and machine.<\/p>\n

The Soundtrack Will Haunt Your Dreams<\/p>\n

The quad-exit titanium exhaust system amplifies the V8\u2019s distinctive character with more intensity throughout the rev range. Combined with carefully engineered induction and exhaust sound symposer technologies, the 788HS creates an unmistakable McLaren soundtrack that\u2019ll have the neighbours checking their insurance policies. A unique engine mount calibration delivers heightened engagement without sacrificing long-distance usability\u2014because McLaren knows that sometimes you actually want to drive these things, not just park them.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Limited to 200 Units (And That\u2019s the Kicker)<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the bit that\u2019ll make your wallet nervous: production is limited to just 200 vehicles globally, split equally between coupe and spider variants. Every single example is made unique through McLaren Special Operations (MSO), because in 2026, if you\u2019re spending supercar money, you deserve to make it your own, it\u2019s the definition of exclusive.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Why This Matters<\/p>\n

The 788HS represents the apotheosis of an era. It\u2019s the closing credits on a chapter that began with the revolutionary 720S and evolved through the legendary 765LT and 750S. McLaren\u2019s Chief Commercial Officer Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer put it best: \u201cIt represents the ultimate expression of our supercar series that began with the 720S and becomes only the third McLaren to wear our HS designation, a fitting finale for a much loved and critically acclaimed car.\u201d This is a car designed with singular focus: to deliver a visceral experience and captivating drive through precise balance of performance, sound, dynamism, and individuality. It\u2019s not just about lap times (though the times are genuinely rapid); it\u2019s about the connection between driver and machine, about celebrating an era in your own unique way.<\/p>\n

Tarmac Takeaway<\/p>\n

The McLaren 788HS is a master class in automotive evolution. It takes everything that made the 720S, 750S, and 765LT special and cranks every single dial up to eleven. The 623PS-per-tonne power-to-weight ratio, the advanced aero package, the centre-lock wheels, the carbon ceramic brakes, it\u2019s all designed to create something that transcends \u201cjust another supercar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got the budget and the opportunity to grab one of these 200 units, you\u2019re not just buying a car; you\u2019re owning a piece of McLaren history. You\u2019re owning the final statement from a brand that\u2019s spent a decade redefining what a modern supercar should be. Surely that\u2019s worth every penny?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"McLaren just dropped the final curtain call on the 720S\/750S\/765LT supercar lineage, and they\u2019re going out with a…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":521833,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[111,139,69,145],"class_list":["post-521832","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-technology","tag-new-zealand","tag-newzealand","tag-nz","tag-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/521832","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=521832"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/521832\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/521833"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=521832"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=521832"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=521832"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}