V6 – The New V8 ?
Have you noticed the latest GT offerings from the likes of Aston Martin, Dodge, Ferrari, Jaguar and Maserati? Leaving diesel engine options aside, previously models such as Maserati’s GranTurismo Modena and Trofeo, Jaguar’s F-Type, Dodge’s Challenger, Porsche’s Cayenne SUV were running V8 engines. Now they have had V6 replacements or their models has been phased out – notably Dodge’s Challenger with its last Demon variant finished in 2023.
One reason for this it seems, the V6 is a better fit when combining the vehicle with an electric motor to from a hybrid. A large V8 is simply not needed. The manufacturers going forward are looking for more efficiency and eco friendliness from their powerplants. Green emissions are also of importance and have been demanded from legislation – remember dieselgate ?
New models are rolling off the production lines with a V6 engine – some are hybrids in the supercar arena such as the Ferrari 296 and Maserati’s MC20 twin turbo V6. In the GT garage, models such as the new Maserati GranTurismo Modena and Trofeo are now fitted with twin-turbo V6 hearts. From the same shed in Turin where it is assembled, the Levante Ultima is the V8 run out model making way for the Levante Hybrid.
The BMW M5 V8 ceased production last year. The G60 & G61 are replacing it this year with a choice of 2.0 litre and 3.0 litre turbo and hybrid engines. It’s M8 coupe since inception in 2019 has always been loaded with the multi model use of 4.4 litre twin turbo V8.
McLaren have made use of, initially their 3.8 twin turbo engine, superseded by its 4.0 litre twin turbo V8 power source in various states of tune for their 720s, 750s, 765LT, Senna, Elva, GT & GTS, but now the Atrura has a 3.0 litre twin turbo V6! Is the way forward for McLaren’s future models. Have they killed off the V8?
There is a curveball however in the Jaguar’s enclosure. The Jaguar F-Type coupe model in 2022 replaced its 3 litre supercharged V6 with a 5 litre supercharged V8! Jaguar’s diegesis explained that its aging P380 type V6 engine was due for retirement. A new straight six engine was in the pipeline for the lower models in the line-up.
Hopefully for the car enthusiasts amongst us who like owning or driving a V8, the eight cylinder is not dead yet. The models listed below for 2024 are still packing eight cylinders, so maybe we have some years left to experience notes from the V8 burble. ©
- Audi RS6 Avant – 4.0 Twin Turbo V8
- Audi RS7 Sportback – 4.0 Twin Turbo V8
- Aston Martin Vantage – 4.0 AMG Twin Turbo V8
- Aston Martin DBX – 4.0 AMG Twin Turbo V8
- Bentley Flying Spur 4.0 Twin Turbo V8
- Bentley continental GT – 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo
- BMW M8 – 4.4 Twin Turbo V8
- Chevrolet Camaro – normally aspirated or supercharged 6.2 litre V8
- Corvette – supercharged 6.2 litre V8
- Ferrari Roma – 3.9 Twin Turbo V8
- Ferrari SF90 Stradale – 3.9 Twin Turbo V8
- Ford Mustang – 5.0 V8
- Jaguar F-Type R – 5.0 supercharged V8
- Lamborghini Urus – 4.0 Twin Turbo V8
- Lexus LC500 – 5.0 V8
- Maserati Ghibli Ultima – 3.8 Twin Turbo V8
- Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo – 3.8 Twin Turbo V8
- Maserati Levante Ultima – 3.8 Twin Turbo V8
- Mclaren 750s – 4.0 Twin Turbo V8
- Mclaren Senna – 4.0 Twin Turbo V8
- Mclaren Atrura – 3.0 Twin Turbo V6
- McLaren GTS – 4.0 Twin Turbo V8
- Mercedes AMG C 63 / E 63 / S 63 / GT 63 / GTR – 4.0 Twin Turbo V8