Why are cars getting rid of V8?
What is driving the shift away from V8s
The shift away from V8 engines in mass-market cars is being shaped by regulatory, technological, and market forces that push automakers toward smaller, more efficient options. Below is a breakdown of the main factors at work.
Regulatory pressure and efficiency targets
- Global and regional emission standards increasingly favor lower CO2 and fuel consumption, pressuring manufacturers to reduce the real-world fuel use of everyday cars.
- Automakers face penalties or compliance costs for failing to meet targets, accelerating the move toward engines that are easier to tune for efficiency.
- Lower overall energy use aligns with corporate sustainability goals and consumer expectations for cheaper, cleaner running costs.
Regulatory frameworks are a powerful tailwind for downsizing strategies, and the trend toward tighter targets shows little sign of reversing in most major markets.
Technology and powertrain alternatives
- Turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines can deliver comparable horsepower and, in many cases, similar or better torque with significantly improved fuel economy.
- Hybridization—both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants—helps boost efficiency and torque while preserving strong on-demand performance.
- Electric powertrains are reshaping the lineup, with many brands focusing development on full EVs and extending electrification to performance segments that previously relied on V8s.
Advances in downsizing, electrification, and turbocharged technology have given consumers choices that don’t require a large V8 to deliver both speed and daily practicality.
Costs, manufacturing, and platform strategy
- V8 engine development and production are expensive due to additional displacement, weight, and complexity, which translates to higher vehicle cost and maintenance.
- Automakers prefer shared platforms and engine families to streamline production, making smaller engines easier to scale across models and regions.
- Reduced assembly complexity and improved supply-chain stability contribute to a stronger business case for downsizing—and for investing in hybrid or electric options.
From a financial and production standpoint, smaller, modular powertrains offer greater flexibility and resilience in a changing market.
Where V8s remain
Despite a broad shift toward smaller engines, V8s still occupy important niches where customers prize straight-line power, natural aspiration, or heavy-duty capability. Here are the areas where V8s continue to have a presence.
- High-performance and luxury models maintain V8 offerings for enthusiasts who value a traditional, naturally aspirated or supercharged power delivery (examples include certain sport and supercar lines).
- Some full-size pickups and heavy-duty trucks offer gasoline V8 options for torque and reliability in demanding work or towing scenarios.
- Regional markets with different regulatory environments or consumer preferences may retain V8 options longer, particularly in performance-oriented or niche vehicles.
While V8s persist here and there, their share of the overall market continues to shrink as electrification and turbocharged alternatives grow.
What this means for buyers
Prospective buyers now weigh the trade-offs between raw, booming V8 power and the practical benefits of downsized engines, hybrids, or EVs. The decision often hinges on intended use, driving style, and total cost of ownership.
For everyday drivers
If you mainly commute or value efficiency, downsized turbo-four or hybrid-powered models often deliver more real-world miles per gallon, with modern technology smoothing out performance and acceleration needs. Gasoline V8s are increasingly concentrated in niche or luxury segments rather than mainstream transport.
For performance enthusiasts
Performance-focused buyers can still obtain potent V8s in selected models or trims, along with high-performance hybrids or fully electric variants that aim to replicate or surpass traditional V8-driven experiences. The choice now includes a broader spectrum of engines and powertrains, often with improved efficiency or instantaneous electric torque.
Summary
Across global markets, the rise of stringent emissions rules and the pursuit of better real-world efficiency have driven automakers to shift away from V8 engines in mass-market models. Advances in turbocharged downsizing, hybrid systems, and electrification provide alternatives that deliver comparable or superior performance with lower fuel consumption. V8s remain in limited niches—principally high-performance and certain heavy-duty applications—where enthusiasts and specific use cases still demand their distinctive power delivery. For most buyers, the trend points toward a future of smaller, cleaner, and smarter powertrains without sacrificing driving excitement.
Why is Dodge getting rid of the V8?
This decision is partly driven by customer demand, as many Dodge buyers seek out the HEMI for its unique performance characteristics. However, even Dodge recognizes that the future is electric, and the company has announced plans to introduce electric versions of the Charger and Challenger in the coming years.
Can I still drive my gas cars after 2035?
The upcoming gas car bans in 2035 in several states simply mean that selling new gas-powered cars will be illegal from 2035 on in those states. You can still buy used gas cars within those states or import new gas cars from states without bans whether you ship the new car there or drive it.
Why is the V8 going away?
V8's are largely going away for the same reason big block V8's became small block V8's for decades, technology has advanced and the displacement isn't needed anymore to do the work that's needed.
Is the V8 engine dead?
Despite the number of V8-powered models reducing significantly in recent years, some carmakers are refusing to let the popular engine layout die.
