I want an American V8, but by year 2012...
 

...evidentially there will be massive production scale backs of V8s by at least the big three in accordance with the CAFE rules. Ford and Chevrolet have even suggested the Mustang and Camaro will have only V6s, though they'll be direct-injected turbocharged engines that are as powerful but lighter than current V8s.

But isn't this a bit extreme? V8s, it seems to me, are fairly efficient now, and I'm sure can be made more efficient with further design/engineering. Example being the Porsche 928 about 20 yrs. ago, IIRC, got 17mpg.

Or has the V8 reached its summit as far as efficiency. I mean, the thought of a V6-only Pony car is sacrilege in my opinion.

I heard that suggestion from Ford and Chevy about the V6 thing . . . in 1982!

Remember the Iron Duke 4cyl. Camaro and Firebird, and Pinto engined Mustangs? We'll be seeing them again if the environMENTAL lobby has its way.

I know exactly what you mean. Despite all, American V8s still holds a certain part in a piston heads heart.

I better hold on to my 12 years old Grand Cherokee. That V8 is slow as a snail and drinks petrol as a drag racer but the sound is music.

I love how Congress thinks that if they mandate something, it will happen.

Laws of physics be damned!

Chris - I think it'll happen this time. According to Motor Trend, Ford has all but classified the V8 as non gratis in the Explorer. They plan a 285-hp four cylinder turbo and 325-hp turbo V6 as the model's designates.

I'm not disagreeing with what will happen to engines.

I'm disagreeing with the fuel economies that will be achieved.

This may come as a shock but hp requires gasoline. More hp requires more gasoline. The number of cylinders is pretty much inconsequential.

The V8 as we know it is a thing of the past, not even good for today's cars. I love them, but only in old muscle cars. There are so many other types of power systems that are as powerful and effecient that can be used. As fuel gets scarce, look for someone to get 400HP out of a 4 banger and get 30 mpg. It will happen.

You better hurry up & get that info to the folks at Ferrari. They are smacking the teeth out of GT3 RSR Porsches with their V8s. You've been watching too much NOPI Tunervision. Oh no, that cant be it because Manny Buginga, Jim Blair and Dan Millen have been killing those imports with their V8 Mustangs. V8s are the most successful HP engine ever invented. Don't expect that to change.

Now you did it. The hand-wringing ninnies that push for this kind of thing have not the technical understanding of things automotive to make a rational decision. Don't go giving it to them. Right now, for these deep thinkers, V8 = eeevil. The fact that certain flat sixes, straight fours, and the like fly under their radar is a blessing. Let's not screw this one up by educating them...

+1

I wonder how they are going to deal with the torque issue if they decide to limit v-8 production?

It's funny a lot of times a compact truck with a v6 gets similar mileage to the same year v8 since they have to work so much harder to push the weight around.

rjp

So which is it? :D

Just wondering how long it would take for you to respond to strup's comment! :p

Which subject do you want to address, gas consumption or performance? Would you like to show me how boosted 6's & 4's get good gas mileage or that V8 are not the most successful HP engines of all time?

I was under the impression that the law we are discussing addressed fuel economy, and not engine configuration.

"We" as in the USA. A specialty company, low volume, can do what they want. They also had many V-12's, but so what. They cater to a different crowd. Mass produced power plants are what I'm refering to. No, I dont watch NOPIE tv, and Ferrari could do the same with a V-10, or a V-12, like Viper did years ago. Look at the Daytona 24 this year, it was'nt a V-8, but a rotary car that beat them all. There is nothing sacred about having 8 cyclinders, it was just a good design for the times.

No more V8s? This is clearly Bush's fault.

Also please don't tell BMW. That normally aspirated 415 HP BMW V8 in the new M3 sounds pretty tempting to me.

Ask Flying Lizard or Taffel if it's about the V8. Audi runs diesels. And the most successful HP engine design in history is STILL a V8.

i really like my v8!http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1204667109.jpg

And it weighs less than a flat 6 turbo! Oh no!