US automakers resist engine downsizing with V8 investments

Major American automakers are resisting the trend of engine downsizing by continuing to invest in V8 engines for sports cars and pickup trucks. Companies including Chevrolet, Ford, and Stellantis are maintaining eight-cylinder configurations to meet consumer demand for performance and sound.

Chevrolet has introduced the 6.7L V8 LS6 for the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport, marking the first application of a modernized Small Block engine family. This engine is also slated for use in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. Ford continues to utilize its 5.0L V8 Coyote engine in the Mustang and F-150, including high-performance variants like the Mustang Dark Horse SC 2027. Meanwhile, Stellantis has reversed a previous shift toward six-cylinder engines by reintroducing the 5.7L Hemi engine.