Ram, GM, and Ford are keeping the V8 alive
Car companies signaled they were discontinuing V8 engines a few years ago. Now, they're making a big U-turn — and Detroit is leading the way.
Major US automakers, including Ram, General Motors (GM), and Ford, are reviving the V8 engine as federal climate regulations loosen. The V8 engine, with its eight cylinders arranged in a V-shape, has long been popular among Americans who desire power for activities like towing, hauling, or high-speed driving. However, it typically consumes more fuel compared to smaller engines.
Despite rising gas prices, the V8 engine is experiencing a resurgence. The US government has reduced emissions rules, lifted companywide fuel-efficiency penalties, and discontinued the federal EV tax credit, prompting automakers to introduce new and resurrected V8-powered trucks and performance cars. Consumers' demand for large, gas-powered vehicles remains strong.
In December, US consumers spent approximately $15 billion on full-size pickup trucks. Kevin Roberts, director of market intelligence at CarGurus, explained that the previous fuel regulations deterred consumers, but the new rules have changed that. Companies like Ram have reintroduced their TRX model sports truck, boasting 777 horsepower.
GM has announced two new V8 engines for the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, following a $830 million investment in US propulsion plants. Ram Trucks relaunched its Hemi V8 engine in August after discontinuing it last year and has brought back the TRX V8-powered sport-oriented pickup. Ford is also betting on V8 engines, particularly in its 2027 F-150 model, which will continue to offer the 5.0-liter V8.
Despite the shift towards hybrids and electric vehicles, trucks, particularly those with V8 engines, remain highly popular among consumers.
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