For years, car enthusiasts have fretted over the impending demise of the V8 engine, even in segments like supercars that once seemed secure. While some of this concern is warranted, as numerous manufacturers are shifting away from V8 engines to embrace electrification, the situation isn’t as bleak for all vehicle types. In the full-size pickup truck category, which has historically celebrated V8 power, only three models will feature a V8 in 2024. The decline in V8 availability extends across various segments, including sedans and SUVs. Nonetheless, several brands are either reversing their plans to eliminate V8s or have stuck to their commitment to keep them. Here are 10 models set to carry V8 engines into the next decade and beyond.
Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne is a pioneer in the sporty luxury SUV market. The 2024 model has been refreshed, featuring a powertrain enhancement for the S trim, which now boasts a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 468 horsepower. The more powerful Cayenne Turbo version packs a robust 650-horsepower 4.0-liter V8. Recently, Porsche announced a noteworthy update for the V8’s future: while the next generation of the Cayenne will move to an all-electric setup, the existing V8-powered third generation will continue to coexist with it, extending its lifespan well beyond 2030.
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang, an emblem of American muscle cars, will maintain its V8 format for the foreseeable future, positioning itself alongside the Corvette in automotive history. As Dodge advances its electrification strategy, Ford remains the last manufacturer producing a V8 muscle car. For 2025, Ford is amplifying its V8 presence with the road-legal Mustang GT3 race car, known as the Mustang GTD, which features a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 that generates around 800 horsepower.
McLaren P18
In light of some V8 purists resisting all forms of electrification, McLaren is opting to incorporate hybrid technology to sustain the V8’s viability. A successor to the renowned McLaren P1 is in development, codenamed P18, although its official name remains under wraps. However, McLaren has confirmed that this future model will include a V8 engine integrated into a hybrid powertrain, provided by their new partner, Ricardo. This hybrid V8 engine is a key element of McLaren’s “Future of Performance” strategy.
Lamborghini Temerario
The highly anticipated successor to the Huracan, the Lamborghini Temerario, has finally arrived. This entry-level model from Lamborghini features an innovative hybrid powertrain, which includes a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that generates 789 horsepower alone. The V8 works alongside three electric motors, producing a total power output of 908 horsepower. This shift from the traditionally used V10s and V12s marks a significant change for the brand, with the new V8 also excelling in high-rev performance, boasting a redline of 10,000 rpm—500 rpm higher than the Revuelto.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, along with its GMC counterpart, the Sierra, will continue offering V8 engines. Despite the introduction of an all-electric variant, the Silverado EV, both brands are committed to keeping their V8 options. This year, two V8 configurations are available: a 5.3-liter engine producing 355 horsepower and a larger 6.2-liter engine that generates 420 horsepower and enables a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds. The larger V8 variant is also equipped with an active dual exhaust for a more aggressive sound.
BMW M5
The BMW M5 continues to thrive thanks to hybridization, especially with its seventh generation now revealed for the 2025 model year. The most substantial update is the introduction of a new hybrid powertrain, similar to that in the XM SUV. This setup features a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that delivers 577 horsepower, paired with an electric motor producing 194 horsepower, resulting in a combined output of 717 horsepower, thanks to a 14.8-kWh battery.
Aston Martin Vantage, DBX, and DB12
Aston Martin has committed to maintaining its internal combustion engines well into the 2030s, with its CEO, Lawrence Stroll, asserting that plug-in hybrid technology is essential for prolonging the life of combustion engines. The automaker intends to preserve its V8 and V12 engines as it postpones its electric vehicle rollout due to minimal interest in the luxury segment. Mercedes provides Aston Martin with 4.0-liter V8 engines used in the Vantage, DBX, and DB12 models. Mercedes has expressed a belief in the continued relevance of V8 engines beyond 2030, indicating a shared outlook with Aston Martin.
Cadillac Escalade
Although the Cadillac Escalade is transitioning to an electric model, GM remains committed to its V8 engines. In January 2023, GM announced an investment of $854 million into its sixth-generation small-block V8. While specific details about the engine have been scarce since the announcement, it is expected to power all GM models linked to the V8, including the Escalade. Notably, the Escalade has always featured a V8 engine throughout its 26 years and five generations, demonstrating its long-standing association with this powertrain. Although there was an option for a turbocharged diesel in the current model, it was dropped for 2025 due to limited interest.
BMW X5 M
The next-generation X5 is on BMW’s agenda, including both internal combustion and electric models, with the X5 M expected to remain part of the lineup given its popularity and performance status. BMW has asserted that its S58 4.4-liter V8 will meet the stricter EU regulations coming into effect in 2025, paving the way for its continuation past 2030.
Koenigsegg Gemera
The Koenigsegg Gemera was unveiled a few years ago, with production recently commencing. Initially, it was supposed to feature two engine options: the Tiny Friendly Giant or a twin-turbocharged V8. However, most buyers preferred the formidable twin-turbo V8, which delivers a staggering combined output of 2,269 horsepower—a marked preference over the 1,381 horsepower from the smaller engine.
With limited production set at 300 units and only 60 units being manufactured each year, it could take up to six years for all Gemeras to be completed.
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