Yes, car manufacturers are switching to smaller engines aided by forced induction. Some are even electrifying their powertrains, mixing petrol units with e-motors, but that doesn’t mean the V-8’s days are numbered - yet.
Take Ford, for example. According to a report by Ford Authority, the carmaker maintains a positive position as far as V-8s are concerned and has no intention of killing off this particular cylinder configuration in the foreseeable future.
Ford still has faith in its V-8s, but change could be just around the corner
Speaking to Kumar Galhotra, FoMoCo Vice President and President of the North American region, Ford Authority found out that Ford is going to keep making V-8 engines. For how long? Well, that’s the tricky question.
Mr. Galhotra was, however, quick to admit that “The transition [from ICE to BEV] is happening before us right now, but when it will happen depends on so many things, like battery costs, fuel cost, and regulation.”
Ford itself has jumped the EV bandwagon with the Mustang Mach-E, but the all-electric SUV counts for just a small fraction of its range, which still relies heavily of V-8s in the U.S. and ICEs in Europe and the rest of the world.
At the time of writing, Ford’s engine lineup included no less than six V-8 powerplants:
- 5-liter Coyote V-8 - found inside the F-150 and Ford Mustang GT
- 6.2-liter Boss V-8 - found inside Super Duty models
- 5.2-liter Voodoo V-8 - found inside the Mustang Shelby GT350
- 5.2-liter Predator V-8 - found inside the Mustang Shelby GT500
- 6.7-liter Power Stroke Scorpion V-8 (diesel) - found inside Super Duty models
- 7.3-liter Godzilla V-8 - found inside Super Duty, F-600, F-650/750, and E-Series models
If we look at Ford (and any other carmaker) from the ’living organism’ standpoint, it’s only natural for them to evolve and adapt in time. The Mustang Mach-E is an early sign of adaptation from Ford, but others will follow, including the all-electric 2022 Ford F-150.
It’s not just industry trends that will make life hard for carmakers specialized in ICEs, V-8s included. California has just announced that come 2035, its residents will not be allowed the purchase of new cars fitted with internal combustion engines, as per Reuters. In other words, the only new cars you’ll be able to buy in California are pure EVs.
Of course, we’re yet to see if this endeavor will happen - after all, 15 years is a long time and a lot can happen. But you can bet that more and more states and countries will (try to) impose such or similar restrictions, forcing carmakers to rethink their engine lineup, regardless of whether it includes V-8 engines or not.
| Engine | 5.0-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Power Output | 460 @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 420 lb.-ft. @ 4,600 rpm |
| Driveline | Rear wheel drive |
| Fuel | Gas |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.0 gal |
| Fuel Economy | 15/24/18 City/Hwy/ Combined mpg |
| 0-60 mph | 4.2 |
| Top Speed | 155 mph |
Source: Ford Authority
Related Articles
