The time is now to say goodbye to the beloved V8 engine as the automotive industry moves towards electrification and downsizing to meet tailpipe emissions targets.
We’ve already seen the likes of the Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon and Chrysler 300 go extinct due to various reasons, but the V8 engine will be exiting from even more models in the near future.
So, if you think there is no replacement for displacement, these are the endangered V8 models that are still available now, but probably won’t be soon.
Nissan Patrol
Though yet to be officially confirmed, the latest rumours are indicating that the new-generation Patrol off-road SUV due to break cover in the next few years will ditch its V8 engine.
With the current Australian version of the large SUV making use of a 5.6-litre petrol V8 outputting 298kW/560Nm, the next version is rumoured to switch to a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6.
The V6 is expected to be at least as potent as the V8, if not more, but – like with the demise of the Toyota LandCruiser’s diesel V8 – those that want a bent eight large SUV off-roader might want to act fast.
Mercedes-AMG C63
Mercedes’ new-generation C63 will drop AMG’s ubiquitous 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 in favour of an electrified four-cylinder engine. Cue broken hearts around the world.
It’s not all bad news, as the electrified four-cylinder engine is likely to outperform the 375kW/700NM V8 that was available in the outgoing C63 S, but a switch to an engine with half as many cylinders might be a hard swallow for some fans.
Don’t think this will be demise of the Mercedes V8 though, as the bent-eight engine will likely continue to be offered in larger models like the E63 and dedicated sports cars like the next-gen AMG GT.
Lexus LC500
With Lexus and parent company Toyota charging head first into electrification, the Lexus 5.0-litre petrol V8 is likely on its last legs.
Though the engine is offered in the RC F, IS500 and GS F, the engine is currently only offered in the flagship LC500 in Australia.
Punching out 351kW/540Nm, the 5.0-litre V8 isn’t the most potent V8 available, but it certainly adds to the appeal of the LC.
Lexus has stated its next performance flagship will be an all-electric model, and retain the DNA of the beloved LFA, so this might be the end of the line for the Lexus V8.
Aston Martin Vantage
Borrowing the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine from AMG, the Aston Martin Vantage offers up plenty of performance thanks to its up to 387kW/685Nm tune.
But that might not be the case much longer, as the brand has recently revealed plans for a downsized powerplant for future versions of Vantage, as well as the DB11 and DBX.
As AMG moves towards an electrified four-cylinder engine, Aston said it has been working on a hybrid V6, with a 3.0 litre displacement.
Power and torque is said to be as much as the outgoing V8, but exact details are still to be confirmed.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Sadly, the V8-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee is no more in Australia, as the new-gen model will switch to a V6 unit.
This means the potential for a new-gen SRT or Trackhawk doesn’t look good, but as recently as last year, the Grand Cherokee was offered with three different V8 engines, outputting 259kW/520Nm, 344kW/624Nm and 522kW/868Nm.
The new Grad Cherokee meanwhile, will launch later this year with a 210kW/344Nm 3.6-litre V6 powertrain, while a plug-in hybrid is also on the cards down the line.
Keyword: Time to say goodbye to the V8? Nissan Patrol, Mercedes-AMG C63 and other models set to ditch the bent eight as electric comes to the fore