Automotive
McLaren Special Operations appears ready to turn up the heat at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with a new limited-run supercar rumored to be called the 788 HS. While McLaren has only teased the upcoming model ahead of its July 9, 2026 reveal, early reports point to a sharper, more exclusive, track-focused evolution of the 750S. The teaser reportedly traces the brand’s modern Super Series lineage through the 720S, 750S, and 765LT, setting the stage for what could be the most aggressive version of McLaren’s current V8 platform yet.
The 788 HS is expected to use the same lightweight carbon-fiber architecture as the 750S, but with more power, less weight, and a stronger aerodynamic focus. Reports suggest output could climb to around 800 horsepower from McLaren’s familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, up from the 750S, which produces 740 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Weight is rumored to be around 1,250 kilograms, giving the car the kind of power-to-weight ratio that should make it brutally quick on both road and track.
Production is expected to be extremely limited, with just 200 units planned worldwide. That total is said to be split evenly between 100 Coupes and 100 Spiders, keeping the 788 HS firmly in collector territory. Pricing is rumored to start around $600,000 for either body style, which would place it well above the standard 750S and closer to the kind of MSO-built special that typically disappears into private collections before the public gets a real look.
The car’s styling is expected to follow the same philosophy as past “HS” McLarens, including the 2016 MSO HS that pushed the 675LT into even more hardcore territory. A more dramatic aero package is likely, possibly building on the High Downforce Kit theme seen on the 750S Le Mans Edition. That could mean a larger wing, revised bodywork, sharper cooling elements, and more visual aggression without straying too far from the 750S foundation.
For McLaren fans, the 788 HS could become one of the most exciting Goodwood debuts of the year. It arrives at a time when the brand is balancing hybrid performance, halo cars, and its long-standing reputation for lightweight driver-focused machines. If the rumored numbers hold true, this limited-edition 750S-based special could be the kind of analog-feeling, high-downforce McLaren that collectors chase immediately.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
