V8 Engines Ain’t Dead… Yet

Despite the number of V8-powered models reducing significantly in recent years, some carmakers are refusing to let the popular engine layout die.

While Ford continues to keep the V8 alive in the Mustang, and General Motors continues to build the V8-powered Silverado pick-up, in recent days, BMW has confirmed the V8 engine will remain part of its portfolio – for some select markets.

“V8s are here to stay,” BMW’s Head of R&D, Frank Weber, told Automotive News.

“There are markets such as the US and Middle East where you cannot replace V8s with inline-six hybrids.

“This is not just about performance – while they may be comparable in terms of acceleration, customers value the smoothness, sound, and overall driving experience of a V8. We will continue to offer them,” Weber added.

Australia is one market where BMW continues to offer models with eight-cylinder power – including the recently-launched M5 super-sedan.

Weber’s comments come at the same time the new CEO of Dodge offered some insight into the company’s latest Charger – currently available with either an inline six or electric powertrains.

Following the departure of Stellantis boss Carlos Tavares – Stellantis being the parent company of Dodge, among many others – US website The Drive asked Dodge CEO Matt McAlear whether the new Charger could accommodate a V8 engine.

“If you look back across the last generation, you go through the engines between the Charger and the Challenger and the Magnum,” McAlear said.

“We started out with a 3.5-litre V6, 6.1-litre V8, then a 3.6-litre V6, 5.7-litre V8, 6.4-litre, 6.2-litre, 6.2-litre Demon, 6.2-litre Redeye, 6.2-litre Demon 170. You know, how many different powertrains, [rear-wheel drive] and [all-wheel drive], did we have on those engines?

“This is a multi-energy platform that can accommodate all of that. This is just the first year, and you’ve got four powertrains that outperform every one that they’re replacing, with standard AWD? We’re just getting started. We’re going to have a lot of fun.”

Beyond merely being able to fit in the engine bay, The Drive asked whether a V8-powered Charger was going to happen.

“You know, we’re always looking at ways to find best in class performance, to build on performance, and to push the boundaries,” McAlear said.

“We don’t want to stand still at Dodge, and we don’t plan on it. There will be powertrain variations that continue to come. We haven’t even launched the SRT yet, so we still have to get into that. And who knows where we go if the business case makes sense [for a V8] and there’s potential.”

While the Dodge Charger is unlikely to make it to local dealerships, CarSauce counts 96 models and their variants currently on sale locally with a V8 engine – however, only the Mustang and the outgoing Nissan Patrol remain priced at less than $100,000.