10 Of The Most Popular Cars That Still Offer A V8 In 2023

The demise of the traditional naturally aspirated V8 engine is imminent. Major car manufacturers have committed to a future with smaller turbocharged engines, electrification, and hybrids as a means of propulsion for their future vehicles to improve fuel efficiency and meet ever tighter state and federal emissions requirements. However, it is difficult to imagine the automobile industry without V8-powered cars. The engine has been around since 1902 when Léon Levavasseur took out a patent on his powerful, lightweight gasoline-injected V8 engine for use in competition speedboats and early aircraft.

The V8 gained the most notoriety in the 1960s with the birth of the "muscle car" when manufacturers equipped their cars with ever-growing capacities under the mantra of "there's no replacement for displacement." Exotic European car companies followed suit. Ferrari introduced the Dino 308 GT4 in 1973 with the automaker's first mid-engined V8. Numerous V8-equipped models followed, including the Ferrari 308 GTB, 328 GTS, 348 GTB, F355 GTS, F430 Spider, and others.

Electric cars provide several benefits over gas-powered counterparts, such as no harmful CO2 exhaust emissions and exceptional acceleration performance (sub-three-second 0–60 mph times are common). Nevertheless, there is no substitute for the deep gurgling/bubbling sound of an idling muscle car, the thunderous roar from a finely tuned system, the smoky, musty smell of unburned hydrocarbons, and the pull of neck-snapping V8 acceleration. In 2023, many automakers still offer some of their models with a big gasoline-powered V8. These are 10 of the most popular.

The BMW M5 is a front-engine, all/rear-wheel-drive, four-passenger, four-door that has set the standard for high-performance sedan cars since its introduction in 1984. It boasts vigorous acceleration, sports car-like handling, and exceptional stopping power. For 2023, the M5 is equipped with a twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve 4.4-liter V8 with aluminum block and heads and direct fuel injection. The base model generates an impressive 600 horsepower, but with the optional Competition equipment package, the V8 produces 627 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 553 pound-foot of torque at 1,800 rpm.

Although BMW has discontinued the manual gearbox for the M5, a robust eight-speed automatic transmission provides seamless shifting. Drivers control steering, suspension, and engine response with BMW's xDrive system that distributes torque between the front and the rear wheels as well as between the rear right and rear left wheels.

The all-wheel-drive system, along with responsive steering, handles all that power and gives the M5 prowess through the turns that make drivers of competitor vehicles such as the Audi RS7, Mercedes-AMG E63, and Porsche Panamera envious. However, the M5's high-tech drivetrain offers a "two-wheel drive" setting that sends 100% of the power and torque to the rear wheels for rubber-laying burnouts and on-demand drifts. Car and Driver test results show the M5 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 2.6 seconds, reaches the quarter mile in 106 seconds doing 130 mph, and achieves a speed of 150 mph in 15.5 seconds. The sedan brakes from 70 mph to a stop at a respectable 150 feet.

Introduced in 1966, the Dodge Charger traces its history back to the golden age of muscle cars. Designed to compete with the Ford Mustang, the classic Charger was available only with V8 engines, including the Street Hemi naturally aspirated 426 V8, rated at 425 horsepower. Today, Dodge still offers the Charger with the V8 engine.

Much of the power gained in present-day HEMI engines comes from supercharging. In 2023, the last year of the current generation, Dodge offers the Hellcat four-door sedan in the Widebody trim with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 that generates 717 horsepower and 650 pound-foot of torque. The standard Hellcat is equipped with a 2.4-liter twin-screw supercharger that produces 11.6 psi of boost, but the Redeye models feature an even larger 2.7-liter version with a 14.5 psi boost, resulting in a whopping 797 horsepower. A Redeye model equipped with the Jailbreak package further boosts the power output to 807 horsepower.

All Charger Hellcat versions use an eight-speed automatic transmission to direct power to the rear wheels. Car and Driver tests showed the standard Hellcat accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and reaching the quarter mile in 11.9 seconds at 124 mph. The Hellcat Redeye variant reached 60 mph a bit faster at 3.5 seconds and powered through the quarter mile doing 126 mph in 11.5 seconds. Although muscle cars traditionally excel at traveling in a straight line with handling a secondary consideration, the standard Hellcat widebody setup uses a stiffer chassis and wide, sticky tires to provide better-than-expected grip through the turns.

The model year 2023 is the last for the Dodge Challenger, but it brings several special editions. The legendary coupe will be replaced by an EV model. However, for one more year, the automaker will offer a performance automobile that competes well with the best modern-day muscle cars, including the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and, of course, its sibling, the Dodge Challenger Hellcat.

One of the last American coupes with a V8 under the hood, the 2023 Challenger Hellcat offers engine options like the Charger. The most conservative model is anything but reserved, with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces an impressive 717 horsepower and 656 pound-foot of torque. Stepping up to the Hellcat Redeye model's version, the V8 produces 797 horsepower, and the Widebody Jailbreak edition of the Hellcat Redeye cranks out a whopping 807 horsepower. And, if the Hellcat Redeye power is insufficient, 2023 buyers can opt for the limited-edition Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, boasting the first-ever 1,000-plus-horsepower production HEMI V8 engine.

All Challenger SRT Hellcat engines are connected to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. Like the '60s muscle cars, the high-performance Challengers excel in straight-line dragstrip performance with less emphasis on handling. The SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody accelerates to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds, reaches the quarter mile in 11.8 seconds at 125 mph, and achieves a top speed of 203 mph, all while providing a cushy, relaxed ride.

It should be no surprise to anyone that the 2023 Corvette still offers V8 power. In 2023, the Corvette continues its tradition of supercar performance and European exotic sports car styling with a powerful mid-mounted V8 engine, resulting in responsive handling and explosive acceleration. Offered as a coupe or convertible, the current C8 generation features a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 that generates 490 horsepower and 470 pound-foot of torque, mounted just behind the passenger compartment for ideal weight distribution. The Z51 package adds five horsepower, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, front and rear 13.6-inch vented disc brakes, a dual-mode performance exhaust, and summer tires.

Chevrolet equips the Corvette with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission only (no manual available) activated either by push buttons on the center console or two steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Car and Driver tests showed the Corvette with the Z51 performance package accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 2.8 seconds and reaching the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds at 122 mph. Even in its base model configuration, the Corvette demonstrates exceptional handling, recording 1.03g on the skidpad and a braking distance of 149 feet from 70 mph.

Although the 2023 Corvette boasts supercar flashy styling and performance comparable to many European models priced at two to four times the Vette's price, the track-worthy car is also a viable daily driver. It is a perennial winner on the Car and Driver 10Best award list and was awarded the Road & Track's 2023 Performance Car of the Year and Motor Trend's 2023 Performance Vehicle of the Year.

The Cadillac Escalade is a luxury vehicle despite its monstrous size and aggressive appearance. It competes in a class with other large luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLS-class, Lincoln Navigator, and Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The Escalade is fitted with the latest advanced technology and luxurious features, including a cabin replete with supple leather, designer fabrics, rich wood touches, and satin-finished metals.

For 2023, buyers can choose from a variety of engine options, including a 6.2-liter gasoline V8, inline-six diesel, or the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 682 horsepower found in the new V-series trim. For Escalade enthusiasts looking for performance from a huge SUV as well as comfort, the V trim with all-wheel drive accelerates from zero to 60 mph in an impressive 4.3 seconds. Stopping power is supplied by six-piston Brembo performance brakes.

The monster SUV from Cadillac with the 6.2-liter V-8 engine mates to a 10-speed automatic transmission available with either an RWD or AWD setup. The engine features cylinder deactivation to save fuel while cruising, and the Escalade employs an independent rear suspension that improves handling and provides additional third-row legroom. The ultimate in comfort for passengers, the Escalade offers air suspension with adaptive dampers in higher-level trims.

The Premium Luxury Platinum trim offers the best Escalade features. Semi-aniline leather adorns 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage. Soft-close doors make entrance and exit more relaxing, and once inside, an AKG audio system with 36 speakers plays the driver's favorite tunes in high fidelity.