In a world that is becoming increasingly more environmentally conscious, large engines have become somewhat of a scarcity. Be that as it may, a true performance car and a true luxury cruiser still have to have a large engine in order to maximize their potential.
A V8 is likely the most iconic engine out of them all. Even though V12s and V10s sound extremely exotic, they are too heavy and not fit for many purposes. On the other hand, a well-engineered V8 can be both extremely throbbing and punchy while also being docile and relatively efficient when needed.
If you still want to buy a V8 today, be sure to check out the Ford Mustang GT as the Mustang is one of the most iconic V8 cars ever to exist. However, if you want a more upmarket experience, be sure to check out the Jaguar F-Type R.
If you prefer SUVs over sedans, the Dodge Durango offers the craziest V8 out there while the Mercedes GLE has the best V8 powerplant. However, if you want maximum family-hauling capabilities and maximum performance, no car out there can match the new Audi RS6.
Ford Mustang GT 5.0 – Last of its kind
Hardly any car out there is so synonymous with an engine like the Mustang is with a naturally aspirated V8. The Mustang is available as a coupe or a convertible and you can choose between a manual transmission and an automatic. An EcoBoost V6 engine is also available, but it’s hard to go against the V8.
The Ford Mustang can still be had with a naturally aspirated V8 from the factory which is rather unheard of in 2021. Most brands are not only transitioning towards forced induction, but they are transitioning away from V8s in general.
Jaguar F-Type R – A brute in a suit
The Jaguar F-Type R is a muscular, yet beautiful-looking 2-door sports car made to compete with the likes of the Porsche 911 and the Mercedes AMG GT. The difference between the F-Type and the rest is that the F-Type still uses a proper throaty 5.0L V8 Supercharged engine that can not be matched by the Germans.
The F-Type was recently revised and it got a new face, updated engines, an updated infotainment screen, and a more dialed-up suspension setup. This means that the differences between the two models are not worlds apart, so if you want a great used V8 car, be sure to consider the previous-gen F-Type as well.
Dodge Durango Hellcat – Most powerful V8 SUV ever
The Dodge Durango is the complete opposite of what a true 2021 SUV should be. With more than 700hp on offer via the 6.2L Supercharged V8, the Durango launches from 0-60mph in about 3.6 seconds which is astonishing for an almost 6000-pound three-row “family” SUV.
Handling is better than what you’d expect and the fuel efficiency is abysmal. With a starting price of $82k, the Durango Hellcat is punching way above its limit. However, it’s a crazy SUV after all, so a questionable price tag is necessary.
Mercedes GLE 63 AMG – Best all-around V8 executive SUV
Mid-size SUVs are a fan favorite for many families across the world and the key to a great family SUV is lots of space, lots of safety, and lots of practicality. Although 600hp is not necessarily a family must-have feature, it’s still good to know that you have a mighty 4.0L BiTurbo V8 watching over you at all times.
As with all V8s, the fuel efficiency is not all that superior, but it is way better than the Durango Hellcat. The engine is smooth and docile while being driven that way, but it transforms into an absolute lunatic the moment you put the car in sport mode.
Audi RS6- The best V8 family car ever
A station wagon has always been an incredibly practical type of car, but people tend to dislike station wagons because they are rather boring and dull-looking. However, not all station wagons are built the same, and while the RS6 exists, the station wagon should be hailed in high regard.
That being said, the RS6 is powered by a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 making 605hp while also returning 20MPG which is better than most cars on this list. The RS6 is filled with amazing materials, hi-tech screens, and luxury features and it dominates the segment when it comes to practicality and trunk space.
FAQ Section
Why are V8s being discontinued?
A decade or so ago, almost all Mercedes AMG models were equipped with a throaty V8 engine and the C63 was one of them. The C63 was often regarded as the best sports sedan on the market because of its engine, so it’s rather sad when you realize that the new one is going to sport a 4-cylinder turbo.
The reason why V8s are being discontinued across the board is that they are not great for the environment. They cost a lot of money to maintain, they cost a lot of money to fill up. Smaller engines are becoming increasingly more powerful which threatens the whole point of a V8, on paper at least.
Can a downsized turbocharged engine truly replace an old-school V8?
As far as performance is concerned, yes. AMG has built a 2.0L 4-cylinder capable of delivering more than 400hp which means that this 4-cylinder can easily outperform a great number of V8s out there. Nonetheless, a V8 is much more than 0-60mph times.
A V8 offers a distinct driving experience accompanied by a distinct engine note which cant be replicated no matter how advanced a 6-cylinder or a 4-cylinder engine can be.
Why should we save the V8?
The world keeps changing and we are slowly moving towards a more sustainable future, a future where a V8 should not exist. However, the efforts of cleaning up the environment are not leveled across the board because some countries are far great polluters than others.
The only way we can save V8s is if we make them more economical, and automakers are constantly finding new ways of doing that. A V8 engine is special, and no other engine type can’t even come close to replicating what a true V8 can do.