GasBuddy Blog

Message Forum - Read Message

Category: Car Talk > Topics	Add to favorite topics Post New Topic

Author	Topic: Are we witnessing the last gasp of the V8 engine?	Post a Reply Back to Topics

contiki Champion Author Ontario Posts:8,516 Points:568,265 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Oct 24, 2012 7:56:40 AM Ignore contiki Report Abuse Are we witnessing the last gasp of the V8 engine? The days when a V8 engine was standard equipment, or perhaps an inexpensive option on bread-and-butter family vehicles is receding into dim memory. Only one of the old “Big Three” North American automakers — Chrysler — still offers an eight-cylinder motor in non-high-end sedans (Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger), though V8s are still available on the sporty Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. But otherwise, passenger-car lineups are limited to four- and six-cylinder power plants, with added power provided through turbocharging. The only other large-volume domestic V8s are found in pickup trucks. The affordable V8 had its high-water mark in the 1960s. A brace of oil crises in the 1970s sent fuel prices soaring and pushed the U.S. government to begin mandating fuel-economy standards, and later carbon-dioxide emission levels, all of which have translated into fewer cylinders under the hood. Full story here..... Do you think the V8 engine has had it's day.......Tell me how you see it.......

contiki

Champion Author
Ontario

Posts:8,516
Points:568,265
Joined:Sep 2008

Message Posted: Oct 24, 2012 7:56:40 AM

Ignore contiki Report Abuse

Are we witnessing the last gasp of the V8 engine?

The days when a V8 engine was standard equipment, or perhaps an inexpensive option on bread-and-butter family vehicles is receding into dim memory.

Only one of the old “Big Three” North American automakers — Chrysler — still offers an eight-cylinder motor in non-high-end sedans (Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger), though V8s are still available on the sporty Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro.

But otherwise, passenger-car lineups are limited to four- and six-cylinder power plants, with added power provided through turbocharging. The only other large-volume domestic V8s are found in pickup trucks.

The affordable V8 had its high-water mark in the 1960s. A brace of oil crises in the 1970s sent fuel prices soaring and pushed the U.S. government to begin mandating fuel-economy standards, and later carbon-dioxide emission levels, all of which have translated into fewer cylinders under the hood.

Full story here.....

Do you think the V8 engine has had it's day.......Tell me how you see it.......

REPLIES (newest first)Ignore Short Messages

First

Next Last

contiki Champion Author Ontario Posts:8,516 Points:568,265 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jan 7, 2013 4:39:34 PM Ignore contiki Report Abuse Fuel Pump says "Nope, they will be around for some time to come. Fewer in numbers, but they still have their market notch." I think the V8 engine will be much fewer in numbers for the future.... I see them more for heavy hauling in big trucks.......... I think pickups will be the norm with turbo change V6's because weight is also much a factor these days..............
noblegiant Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:2,080 Points:945,020 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Dec 30, 2012 1:20:30 AM Ignore noblegiant Report Abuse Hope Not!! If They Just Make It More Fuel Efficient
kellyoneal Champion Author Louisville Posts:2,425 Points:707,515 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Dec 29, 2012 12:44:46 PM Ignore kellyoneal Report Abuse no
W707 Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:1,455 Points:401,030 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Dec 29, 2012 12:44:07 PM Ignore W707 Report Abuse got alot of V-8's around here plus a few V-10's
DerTaubman Champion Author Detroit Posts:7,328 Points:1,532,945 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Dec 29, 2012 12:24:17 PM Ignore DerTaubman Report Abuse Increasingly draconian EPA fuel mileage requirements will drive V-8's to extinction.
FuelPump Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:21,481 Points:3,417,925 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Dec 29, 2012 11:28:26 AM Ignore FuelPump Report Abuse Nope, they will be around for some time to come. Fewer in numbers, but they still have their market notch.
bluenvoy Champion Author Nashville Posts:14,992 Points:1,878,840 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Dec 29, 2012 10:37:14 AM Ignore bluenvoy Report Abuse For most cars anyway.
Banjoe Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:4,278 Points:617,270 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Dec 29, 2012 7:55:02 AM Ignore Banjoe Report Abuse The V8 will phase out of passenger cars as the smaller engines ramp up to deliver the same performance. Can't see the big displacement machines being replaced in highway trucks, major motorhomes, or weight hauling pickups. These will transition to diesels in the near future. I will miss all the rumbling, ground-shaking nastiness of a big V8 when they're gone.
contiki Champion Author Ontario Posts:8,516 Points:568,265 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Dec 29, 2012 7:41:23 AM Ignore contiki Report Abuse LKnight598 says "In cars, most likely. However, I think we'll see the V8 engine in pickups and trucks will be around for quite a while longer." I agree with LKnight598............
LKnight598 All-Star Author South Carolina Posts:823 Points:189,640 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Dec 21, 2012 8:00:27 PM Ignore LKnight598 Report Abuse In cars, most likely. However, I think we'll see the V8 engine in pickups and trucks will be around for quite a while longer.
FuelPump Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:21,481 Points:3,417,925 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Dec 21, 2012 1:48:57 PM Ignore FuelPump Report Abuse They will be around for some time to come, fewer in numbers, but they will not disappear. Look for more and more efficiency in all engines, including the V8.
diesel8888 Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:1,202 Points:361,335 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Dec 21, 2012 1:38:55 PM Ignore diesel8888 Report Abuse I think it is heading to this direction.
Snowchoux Champion Author Missouri Posts:1,003 Points:145,635 Joined:Sep 2012	Message Posted: Dec 21, 2012 11:51:03 AM Ignore Snowchoux Report Abuse No, it will be around for some time.
geobmw Champion Author Miami Posts:6,196 Points:1,406,120 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Dec 21, 2012 9:39:42 AM Ignore geobmw Report Abuse no
FieroGT Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:14,337 Points:2,509,035 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Nov 15, 2012 5:13:05 PM Ignore FieroGT Report Abuse Could be. The auto power plants are changing rapidly, getting smaller and lighter.
contiki Champion Author Ontario Posts:8,516 Points:568,265 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Nov 14, 2012 7:57:46 AM Ignore contiki Report Abuse I believe V8 engines will be a thing of the past when you consider what 6cylinder engines with turbo charge can do these days...... Some heavy trucks maybe need V8 engines but that about all......... [Edited by: contiki at 11/14/2012 7:59:44 AM EST]
russells350 Champion Author Montreal Posts:2,896 Points:608,245 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Nov 14, 2012 7:29:27 AM Ignore russells350 Report Abuse no
OceanArcher Champion Author Mississippi Posts:5,723 Points:1,331,300 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Oct 29, 2012 8:23:22 AM Ignore OceanArcher Report Abuse Americans and their love/need for larger cars, trucks and vans will keep the V8 engine from disappearing like the Dodo bird ...
contiki Champion Author Ontario Posts:8,516 Points:568,265 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Oct 29, 2012 8:05:28 AM Ignore contiki Report Abuse Titanic1985 says "This is a good topic :-) . Thanks contiki - MGY" Thank you Titanic1985 for your support..........
bluenvoy Champion Author Nashville Posts:14,992 Points:1,878,840 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Oct 28, 2012 2:31:44 PM Ignore bluenvoy Report Abuse Trucks will still have them.
WhiteRaven48 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:1,917 Points:55,725 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Oct 28, 2012 10:31:12 AM Ignore WhiteRaven48 Report Abuse The other day there was someone in the media predicting sub $2 / gal gas again within a few years. If that happens I'd predict a resurgence in the V8 engine, but a much better line of V8 engine, including that of the new Corvette.
Titanic1985 Champion Author South Carolina Posts:6,293 Points:361,095 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Oct 28, 2012 8:54:32 AM Ignore Titanic1985 Report Abuse Hi contiki. There will always be a need and love for the V8 engine (e.g. pickup trucks and large "real" SUVs), but I do think the days of the V8 engine in automobiles are numbered. Only high performance and ultra luxury cars will have them and due to low volume production their cost will rise significantly. The V8 will continue to become more efficient and have a smaller displacement. One thought I had involved issues in the 1980s with lighter duty rack and pinion steering on the Ford T-Bird. The suspension was fine with a turbo four engine, but failed repeatedly with a V8, due to the heavier weight of the V8 engine. Once manufacturers get "locked into" lighter, less durable front-ends, the V8 will not be an option. This is a good topic :-) . Thanks contiki - MGY
contiki Champion Author Ontario Posts:8,516 Points:568,265 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Oct 28, 2012 7:42:27 AM Ignore contiki Report Abuse I think because of economy/weight considerations they will take a decided back burner if not all but disappear from cars in coming years. I agree.......think the V8 engine will be a a special order or option......
PupDog Rookie Author Dallas Posts:63 Points:14,750 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2012 4:58:54 PM Ignore PupDog Report Abuse I think because of economy/weight considerations they will take a decided back burner if not all but disappear from cars in coming years. MOPAR has a pretty impressive V-6 with variable valve timing and drop out cylinders and that seems to be the trend for cars these days in the latest engine technology that I have seen at the auto show at the State Fair of Texas this year. Those are highly modified engines that will kick major ass in the HP dept, and do well for their weight. Use fully synthetic engine oil in them if you get one though, as engine work on those will be prohibitive for all that is in them.
STEVE853 Champion Author Florida Posts:5,696 Points:1,121,360 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2012 2:41:45 PM Ignore STEVE853 Report Abuse V-8 Engines will never go away!
gmc48 Rookie Author Los Angeles Posts:92 Points:45,505 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2012 2:36:40 PM Ignore gmc48 Report Abuse V8s will not die. As a matter of fact they will keep improving. The new LT1 coming from GM looks to be very promising.
CactusBobs Champion Author Phoenix Posts:2,735 Points:488,490 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2012 12:47:17 PM Ignore CactusBobs Report Abuse This is just one of the reasons light duty pickup trucks sales are through the roof People want what they want and will find it and get it even if what they want does not come in car form anymore the EPA only thinks it has control over the people
contiki Champion Author Ontario Posts:8,516 Points:568,265 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Oct 27, 2012 11:39:20 AM Ignore contiki Report Abuse Not having a V8 engine doesn't seem to be missed all that much.......... You can get similar power and torque from some V6 (or even some 4 cylinder!) using turbocharging or supercharging, with similar reliability and even BETTER gas mileage than that of a V8 engine....... You can see now that most 'mid-class' sedans that 'always' had V6 power now make do now with turbo 4 cylinders..... Not many people seem to be complaining either................
DasAuto92 Champion Author Montreal Posts:2,450 Points:176,415 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 11:20:06 AM Ignore DasAuto92 Report Abuse But V8s are likely to live on in imported high-end luxury vehicles from Japan and Germany for some time, for the simple reason that customers expect them. Mercedes-Benz’s current line of SUVs is a case in point. The ML 550 and ML 63 AMG, $76,500 and $100,900 respectively, and GL 450 and 550 ($75,900 and $95,900), come with standard V8s in the upper range. The ground-pounding revised G-Class is also V8-powered, with a 382-horsepower 5.5-litre unit for $120,000 and a 536-hp biturbo version of the same engine on the G 63 AMG model. According to your copy & paste....NO
kellyoneal Champion Author Louisville Posts:2,425 Points:707,515 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 10:39:49 AM Ignore kellyoneal Report Abuse no
2004VHO Champion Author Texas Posts:5,236 Points:1,405,325 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 10:35:53 AM Ignore 2004VHO Report Abuse I sure hope not. V-8's wil be needed in trucks for a LOOOOng time, IMO. Businesses & companies need the added V8 torque to get shipments/supplies/packages moving.
contiki Champion Author Ontario Posts:8,516 Points:568,265 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 9:45:03 AM Ignore contiki Report Abuse I feel in the future with most V8 engines, it will be a special order or option when buying a new vehicle.............
noblegiant Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:2,080 Points:945,020 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Oct 26, 2012 12:14:23 AM Ignore noblegiant Report Abuse Possibly But I Doubt It, They'll Probably Make Them More Fuel Efficient In The Future.
Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:51,358 Points:2,146,100 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Oct 25, 2012 11:07:19 PM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse I see no reason for a vehicle short of a half-ton truck or capable of three rows of passengers to have more than four cylinders. Especially since the manufacturers have now been deploying direct injection and turbocharging throughout their lines. [Edited by: Sneakers55 at 10/25/2012 11:09:11 PM EST]
jessjames Champion Author Huntsville Posts:15,314 Points:3,307,135 Joined:Jun 2003	Message Posted: Oct 25, 2012 8:35:55 AM Ignore jessjames Report Abuse No
WES03 Champion Author Maryland Posts:4,859 Points:1,267,245 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Oct 25, 2012 8:30:23 AM Ignore WES03 Report Abuse No but the numbers don't lie. There will be less of them.
contiki Champion Author Ontario Posts:8,516 Points:568,265 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Oct 25, 2012 8:29:30 AM Ignore contiki Report Abuse GM unveils new V8 for 2014 Corvette...... October 24, 2012 6.2-litre engine boasts cylinder-deactivation.... The almost-all-new 6.2-litre small-block V8 General Motors'll stuff into the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette will be the sports car's first with cylinder deactivation. Working alongside a new direct injection setup, that active fuel management system should help the LT1 – which the automaker unveiled October 24 – net better than 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) highway. Power and torque are also up compared to the current LS3 small-block; it should turn out an estimated 450 horsepower and just as many lb.-ft. of torque. GM calls the redesign of this fifth-generation small-block – to be built in Buffalo, New York – its most significant ever. It shares just a handful of parts with the outgoing Corvette mill. Read about it here.......
russells350 Champion Author Montreal Posts:2,896 Points:608,245 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Oct 25, 2012 7:38:17 AM Ignore russells350 Report Abuse no
barryw8 Champion Author Ontario Posts:1,201 Points:223,225 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Oct 25, 2012 7:18:39 AM Ignore barryw8 Report Abuse no
RalphHightower Champion Author South Carolina Posts:3,320 Points:692,405 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Oct 25, 2012 6:15:20 AM Ignore RalphHightower Report Abuse No. Chevrolet introduced a new V8 yesterday for the Corvette. It'll probably be added to their trucks.
jes Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:16,180 Points:3,355,400 Joined:Jun 2003	Message Posted: Oct 25, 2012 5:15:06 AM Ignore jes Report Abuse I doubt it.
Bluebird333 All-Star Author Wisconsin Posts:634 Points:52,300 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Oct 25, 2012 3:54:28 AM Ignore Bluebird333 Report Abuse I can't see the v8 disappearing for good.
FreddFfish Sophomore Author Orange County Posts:211 Points:65,655 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Oct 25, 2012 1:32:35 AM Ignore FreddFfish Report Abuse I think we're seeing the end in the more mainstream vehicles, even far fewer in trucks. GM has just launched a revised small V8 though which is still reasonably efficient. Hopefully they will stay alive but I'm not optimistic.
jscdig Champion Author Maine Posts:7,279 Points:757,000 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: Oct 24, 2012 7:44:02 PM Ignore jscdig Report Abuse Pretty much except in trucks and specialty cars. In 10 years, who knows? I'd be willing to bet that the 2025 Corvette will have a turbo 4 cyl.
STEVE853 Champion Author Florida Posts:5,696 Points:1,121,360 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Oct 24, 2012 7:43:42 PM Ignore STEVE853 Report Abuse Never
14smoke Champion Author Birmingham Posts:13,209 Points:1,925,140 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Oct 24, 2012 6:22:42 PM Ignore 14smoke Report Abuse The days of the V8 are far from over. Too many of them out there right now and they are becoming more and more efficient too. This has been wondered before, to OPEC oil crises in the 1970's and from time-to-time since then, and the V8 is alive and well. This is "I hope" reporting by the author of the article.
FarmTech Champion Author Virginia Posts:12,171 Points:2,296,860 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Oct 24, 2012 5:42:16 PM Ignore FarmTech Report Abuse No
bearscharger Champion Author Cleveland Posts:1,337 Points:273,325 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Oct 24, 2012 5:38:07 PM Ignore bearscharger Report Abuse no there will still be a demand for them
psm80134 Champion Author Denver Posts:2,635 Points:542,895 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Oct 24, 2012 1:48:32 PM Ignore psm80134 Report Abuse I certainly hope the V8 engine isn't going away.
FuelPump Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:21,481 Points:3,417,925 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Oct 24, 2012 11:07:29 AM Ignore FuelPump Report Abuse I think the will be around for a long time to come. In lower numbers, but they will continue to exist. Look for more efficient V8's in the future.