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Did Chevy discontinue the V-8?

No, Chevrolet has not discontinued the V-8 engine in its lineup. The V-8 engine remains an available option on several Chevrolet models, including the Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, and Corvette.


Chevrolet's V-8 Engine Offerings


Chevrolet has a long history of offering V-8 engines in its vehicles, and the company continues to do so today. The automaker currently offers several V-8 engine options across its lineup, ranging from the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V-8s found in the Silverado and Tahoe/Suburban, to the high-performance 6.2-liter V-8 in the Corvette.,


Reasons for Continued V-8 Availability



  • Customer demand: Many Chevrolet customers still prefer the power and performance of a V-8 engine, especially in larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs.

  • Towing and hauling capabilities: The torque and power of a V-8 engine are often preferred for towing and hauling heavy loads.

  • Performance and enthusiast appeal: The V-8 engine is a key part of Chevrolet's performance-oriented models, such as the Corvette.


While the automotive industry is moving towards more fuel-efficient and electrified powertrains, Chevrolet has recognized the continued demand for V-8 engines and has maintained them as an option across its lineup.,


Conclusion


Contrary to rumors or speculation, Chevrolet has not discontinued the V-8 engine. The V-8 remains an available and popular option for many Chevrolet models, catering to customers who value the power, performance, and capabilities that a V-8 engine provides.

Why are they getting rid of V8s?


V8 engines are becoming less common due to stricter government fuel economy and emissions regulations, the rise of more efficient turbocharged smaller engines, and the growing market for hybrid and electric vehicles. Automakers are shifting their focus and investment to these newer, more efficient technologies to meet global standards and consumer demand, which favors lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the reasons why V8 engines are being discontinued by manufacturers: 1mScotty KilmerYouTube · Aug 15, 2020
Regulatory and environmental pressure

  • Stricter fuel economy standards: Governments are mandating higher average fuel economy for fleets, and V8 engines struggle to meet these requirements. 
  • Emissions regulations: New emissions standards require lower greenhouse gas emissions, which are more difficult for V8s to achieve compared to smaller or electrified powertrains. 
  • Global mandates: Some countries have set future bans on the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles, forcing manufacturers to prepare for a future without internal combustion engines. 

Technological advancements
  • Smaller, turbocharged engines: Advances in engine technology have enabled four- and six-cylinder engines to produce competitive power and torque, sometimes even exceeding older V8s, while being more efficient. 
  • Hybrid and electric powertrains: The development of better battery technology and the increasing range and performance of electric vehicles (EVs) make them a more viable and popular alternative. 
  • Efficiency: Hybrid systems, which combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor, offer improved fuel economy and lower emissions compared to a traditional V8. 

Market and cost factors
  • Cost-effectiveness: Smaller engines, turbocharging, and electrification can be more cost-effective for manufacturers to produce and for consumers to operate in the long run. 
  • Changing consumer demand: There is a growing consumer preference for more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles, which are more affordable to run. 
  • Investment priorities: Automakers are prioritizing significant investments in new technologies like EVs and hybrids, rather than investing in the development of V8s that are less strategically aligned with future market trends. 



Did Chevy stop making V8s?


Chevrolet also produced a big-block V8 starting in 1958 and still in production as of 2024. Finally superseded by the GM Generation III LS in 1997 and discontinued in 2003, the engine is still made by a General Motors subsidiary in Springfield, Missouri, as a crate engine for replacement and hot rodding purposes.



Is the V8 engine being discontinued?


The automotive industry isn't entirely eliminating V8 engines, but their use is rapidly declining due to stricter emissions and fuel economy regulations, and the rise of electrification and smaller, turbocharged engines. While many manufacturers have phased them out, some brands still offer V8s in certain performance vehicles or heavy-duty trucks, and others are investing in future V8 development. 
This video explains why the Dodge HEMI V8 is being discontinued: 58sSUV ZoneYouTube · Oct 24, 2025
Reasons for the decline

  • Stricter emissions and fuel economy standards: Regulations require manufacturers to build more efficient vehicles, which is difficult to achieve with large V8 engines. 
  • Advancements in smaller engines: Turbocharged V6 and even four-cylinder engines can now produce comparable, and sometimes better, power and torque with greater efficiency than a V8. 
  • Rise of electrification: The industry's focus is shifting to hybrids and fully electric powertrains, which require different engine architectures. 

Where you can still find V8s
  • Performance and luxury vehicles: Many brands continue to use V8s in their high-performance and luxury models. 
  • Heavy-duty trucks: While declining in half-ton trucks, V8 engines remain a common option in heavy-duty trucks and some half-ton trucks for their towing and hauling power. 

This video discusses the decline of V8 engines in trucks: 1mPickup Truck Plus SUV TalkYouTube · Jun 13, 2025
Future outlook
  • Continued decline: The trend towards smaller and electrified powertrains is expected to continue, with V8s becoming a less common, more niche option. 
  • Industry investment: Despite the trend, some manufacturers like General Motors are investing in the development of new-generation V8 engines for the future. 



Is GM making a new V8 engine?


Yes, GM is making a new, sixth-generation small-block V8, with an investment of nearly $900 million to develop and produce it, with an expected debut around the 2027 model year. This new V8 is intended for future full-size trucks and SUVs, with a focus on improved fuel efficiency, performance, and emissions compared to current models.
 
This video discusses the upcoming GM V8 engines and their features: 56sGetty's GarageYouTube · Jun 4, 2025

  • Investment: GM is investing approximately $888 million in its Tonawanda, New York, and Flint, Michigan, plants to support the new engine. 
  • Production Timeline: Production of the current fifth-generation V8 will continue while the plants are retooled, with the new engine slated to start production for the 2027 model year. 
  • Purpose: The primary goal is to create a more powerful and efficient V8 that meets modern fuel economy and emissions standards, while still providing the capability expected from a V8. 
  • Potential Applications: While initially targeted for trucks and SUVs, the new engine is likely to be used in performance vehicles as well, such as the Chevrolet Corvette. Some reports suggest it could be offered in two displacements, with a 5.7L version for mainstream trucks and a larger 6.6L all-aluminum version for performance applications, as reported by Instagram and Reddit users. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.