- V8 engines are disappearing due to stricter regulations and electric car advancements.
- While their future remains uncertain, their appeal for power and sound persists.
- Given the reigns to put it into any sports car currently in production, what would you choose?
Fewer than 10 (mainstream) companies sell a sports car with a fixed roof and a V8 engine under the hood today. This would have sounded unimaginable to most car enthusiasts in America just a few decades ago. At the same time, coupes and convertible sports cars continue to live on despite a diminished capacity in that segment too. Which one would you drop a V8 into if you could?
The almost too obvious answer is staring us down in our lead image. The new Dodge Charger will come in two-door coupe and four-door sedan variants. It’s available as a gas-burning combustion car with a straight-six turbo or as an all-electric EV.
Read: Stellantis Refiles Cuda Trademark For Concept Car
The one thing that it’s not coming with though is a V8. The days of the Hellcat appear truly dead. That would make the new Charger the perfect candidate for a new V8 in the eyes of many.
It’s far from the only car that could benefit from eight roaring cylinders though. The BMW Z4 would be an absolute riot with a V8. Years ago, BMW dropped one into the E90 M3 and despite some troublesome features of that generation, it’s still beloved by many for that engine.
The modern Z4 could also achieve a special status with the integration of BMW’s bonkers N/S63 V8 found in various models today. It makes at least 456 hp (340 kW) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque and has the room to make much more. While BMW already uses it in the 8-Series, adding it to the Z4 platform would make it stand out compared to its badge-engineered sibling the Toyota Supra.
Or perhaps you lean towards a more reasonable V8 option in the M3 sedan?
These two are far from the only options though. The Supra itself would certainly be fun with a V8, but there’s little precedent for it aside from Toyota having a V8 in the general family.
Moving on to another popular sports car, the idea of a factory V8 MX-5 is about as likely as pigs winning the Daytona 500. It’s a delightful fantasy, but practicality says otherwise. The MX-5’s philosophy has always been about nimble handling and an intimate connection with the road, not tire-shredding horsepower.
However, the aftermarket’s obsession with V8 swaps for the MX-5 proves there’s a certain undeniable charm in the madness. After all, who are we to judge a little playful rebellion against tradition? The same is true for cars like the GR 86 or the Subaru BRZ.
The fate of the V8 rests in your votes!
Are any of these the sports car that you would choose to get a new V8 in 2024? Let us know in the comments below and tell us why your choice deserves it most of all. Don’t forget to cast your vote for your favorites!
