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Does Ford still use V8 engines?

Yes, Ford still uses V8 engines in several of its vehicle models. While the automaker has been shifting towards more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly powertrains in recent years, the iconic V8 engine remains an important part of Ford's lineup, particularly in its trucks, SUVs, and high-performance models.


Ford's V8 Engine Offerings


Ford currently offers a range of V8 engines across its vehicle lineup, including the following:



  • 5.0L V8: This engine is found in the Ford Mustang, F-150, Expedition, and other models. It produces up to 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.

  • 6.2L V8: This larger V8 is available in the Ford F-150 Raptor, Super Duty trucks, and Expedition. It generates up to 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque.

  • 7.3L V8: Introduced in 2019, this is Ford's largest and most powerful V8 engine. It is offered in the Super Duty truck lineup and produces up to 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque.


These V8 engines provide the power and towing capacity that many Ford customers demand, particularly in the company's truck and SUV models.


The Shift Towards Turbocharged and Hybrid Engines


While Ford continues to offer V8 engines, the company has also been investing heavily in more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly powertrain technologies. This includes the widespread use of turbocharged EcoBoost engines, as well as the introduction of hybrid and all-electric models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning.


However, the V8 engine remains an important part of Ford's lineup, catering to customers who prioritize power, towing capacity, and the iconic sound of a large displacement engine. As Ford navigates the transition towards electrification and sustainability, the V8 is likely to continue playing a role in the company's vehicle offerings for the foreseeable future.

Is Ford discontinuing V8 engines?


Ford Is Committed to Keeping the V8 Alive: Here's Why — and How. The Mustang may be the last V8 muscle car standing, but the Blue Oval plans to keep these big engines going.



Why are they phasing out 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. 



What are the current Ford V8 engines?


Ford's current V8 engine lineup includes the Coyote (5.0L), the "Godzilla" (7.3L), the "Mini Godzilla" (6.8L), and the supercharged Predator (5.2L). The Coyote is a DOHC engine used in passenger vehicles like the Mustang, while the Godzilla and Mini Godzilla are larger pushrod V8s designed for heavy-duty trucks. The Predator is a high-performance supercharged V8 used in models like the Shelby GT500 and F-150 Raptor R.
 
Gasoline engines 
This video compares different Ford V8 engines, including the Godzilla and Coyote: 1mRunning2RedlineYouTube · May 10, 2025

  • 5.0L Coyote: A DOHC, Ti-VCT (Camshaft timing) engine that uses a combination of port and direct injection. It is featured in vehicles like the Mustang GT and various F-150 trims. 
  • 5.2L Predator: A supercharged DOHC engine used in high-performance vehicles, including the Shelby GT500 and the F-150 Raptor R. 
  • 7.3L \"Godzilla\": A large, pushrod V8 with a cast iron block and steel crankshaft. It's designed for heavy-duty applications, particularly in the Super Duty trucks, and is known for its strength and reliability. 
  • 6.8L \"Mini Godzilla\": Introduced for 2023, this pushrod V8 is the base engine for Super Duty trucks and shares some architecture with the 7.3L Godzilla but with a shorter stroke. 

Diesel engine
  • 6.7L Power Stroke / Scorpion: A turbodiesel V8 available for heavy-duty trucks. 



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. 


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.