The V-8’s Days Are Numbered
hamster wheel, originally uploaded by Jean Arf
2016 CAFE Regulations
To reach 2016 CAFE regulations by 2016, there are going to have to be some changes. Currently, the industrial average for manufacturers is 25.3 mpg. These numbers have so far been pretty simple to maintain with a heap of V-8s and a generous sprinkling of moderately economical V-6s and 4-cylinders here and there.
Come 2016, the new industrial average will become 35.5 mpg, which leaves little room for gas guzzlers of any kind. To meet these new regulations, manufactures will rely on the help of electric motors, turbo-charging, and minimal cubic-inches. The V-8 has been targeted for elimination, and we can expect quite a mass extinction to occur over the next four to six years.
Ford’s Green Strategy
Ford is currently allowing customers to test the new economical standards with their new twin-turbo, 3.5-liter Ecoboost V-6 found in their 2010 Taurus SHO. The SHO featuring 365 horsepower and 350 ft-lbs of torque, which is a good 50 horsepower over the current (315 horsepower) V-8 Mustang GT. The SHO’s fuel economy maybe not so great, 17/25 highway, but at least they are reminding consumers that big things can come in small packages.
Ford also plans on doubling the production of the 4-cylinder in the next few years, offering them in just about every vehicle they sell (including possibly the Mustang and F-150 truck). Does this mean that the V-8 will go completely extinct? Well no, not initially at least, but they will become increasingly rare.
Ford still plans on using V-8’s in their heavy-duty trucks, but in order to meet CAFE standards, they will have to become a lot more stingy on where they ultimately get transplanted. This means that the Mustang may only see a few V-8’s in their specialty vehicles, such as the Shelby GT-500 (they are already working on a new 5.0-liter as I write), but all other Mustangs can expect the smaller Ecoboost engines.
The Exotic V-8
The V-8 is destined to become an exotic treat for those with a few extra pennies in the bank (it already is to some degree). The good news, is with developing technology, the V-6 is gaining respect by leaps and bounds. The 2010 V-6 Camaro with its 300 horsepower, has already gained the respect of many muscle car traditionalists known for saying, “A V-6 Mustang is not a real Mustang.”
The tides are changing and the next generation of automotive enthusiasts are already being groomed for the next line of cool cars. These cars will focus more on economy than exhaust note. The whisper quiet 300 horsepower Tesla Roadster will one day take the place of the classic muscle car image, which is currently held by vehicles such as the rough and rumbling 427 Shelby Cobra.
Goodbye V-8, it’s been nice knowing you; but nothing lasts forever… including that of our oil reserves!
