There’s no question that the V8 engine is slowly becoming less and less popular. A good example of this trend is the Ford F-150. Ford still offers a V8 option in their most popular model, however they now offer two twin-turbocharged V6s that they push as adequate alternatives to the V8.
Chevrolet has yet to follow in Ford’s footsteps, and it’s mostly because the automaker still believes in the benefit of its Small Block V8. On the floor of the New York International Auto Show last week, General Motors’ product chief Mark Reuss confirmed the Small Block V8 is here to stay for a good time longer, and not just in truck applications.
We were elated to hear this, even though it’s exactly the answer we expected. With start/stop, active fuel management and direct injection, a V8 can return more than adequate fuel economy figures. In the C7 Corvette, the 6.2-liter LT1 V8 can result in up to 30 MPG, which is partially a result of the car’s lightweight, but also due to the fuel-saving tech in the LT1.
Take Reuss’ word for it. You’ll be able to hear the unmistakable roar of a Small Block V8 for years to come on everything from the GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Tahoe to the Corvette and Camaro. Additional alternative engine options to the V8 may soon be offered, but you can bet it will be a mainstay in GM’s portfolio.
Comments
This is good news bad news kind of statement.
He is right the V8 will be around for a while but….
What he did not say is it will be even more limited and even more expensive as time goes on.
More and more focus will be put on the V6 engines as time goes on in performance models and trucks. The V8 will remain an option but to limit their sales they will raise prices as time goes on.