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The end of the performance V8 engine is approaching. Of course, there will also be the odd enthusiast after the smooth revving and torqeuy nature of a big V8 but their numbers are dwindling fast. A new study has found that installation rates for V8 engines, the favored choice of powerplant for performance fans in the U.S. for more than five decades, is dropping and that new car buyers are markedly less interested in V8 power.

Data compiled in the Edmunds study reveal overall demand for V8s has dropped from 19% years ago to just 15% today. The drop is even more significant for SUV buyers, whose interest in V8s has dropped from 24% in 2006 to just under 18% at the end of last year. Demand for V8 power in large cars also slid from 36% to 29% in the same time frame, and the same story could be told for two-seaters. The only segment where demand for V8s has actually increased is the fullsize pickup market, with demand rising from 55% in 2006 to a current level of 59%.

With fuel prices now more expensive than ever and the push for green vehicles constantly being posted across the media, the allure of big V8s understandably is fading. America’s carmakers have seen the writing on the wall and for once are acting fast. GM has already canceled its future - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and Chrysler has stated that its legendary HEMI doesn’t have a place in its future powertrain lineup.


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The V8 isn't going anywhere, only the old, tired, inefficient ones are going away. Ford's, GM's and Chrysler's. BMW, Mercedes, Lexus/Toyota, Audi, and others will continue to develop them for greater efficiency and keep them viable. GM recently cancelled their plans for a new V8 for Cadillac. So what does that mean? Cadillacs are going back to V6s? Similarly people aren't going to buy a V6 Corvette no matter how much hp it has. Some customers want a V8 no matter what. I bet to Honda's Acura brand, who is V8-less, this is welcome news.

M

But what about V10, V12 and V16 numbers ?!
Some might just wanted an upgrade.



OK seriously I agree with Merc.

That cracked me up.

I think V8s will become as rare as V12 now.

Everybody, including the Germans, are actually working on downsizing. That also means 2 cylinders or more that are thrown out.

For me, V8 will become V6 and V6/I6 will become 4 cylinders. With a smaller, turbocharged engine with 2 cylinders less you can achieve the same result.

I do think V8 will slowly begin to die, they will be reserved for upper AMG/M/RS and supercars like Lambo or Ferrari. You won't find V8 E500 or 545i like now, no more Hemi 300C or Ram V10. They will be very rare, very expensive.

It's really all a matter of the status of the economy. V6 and 4 cylinder engines are cheaper and less costly when it comes to gas (and price). There are still Americans who prefer the V8 power, but there much more that rather a V6 or hybrid.