Are WE In The End Times For Large Displacement Motors? Are Hulking V12s, V10s, V8s Going Bye-Bye Soon?

It seems like the walls are starting to close in on us, Spies. The heyday of large displacement engines and those with banks upon banks of cylinders seem to be coming to an end.

Or is it?

I ask because I was just reading a story that Agent 009 posted yesterday. Apparently, a rumor is circulating that Mercedes-AMG is ready to axe 3/4ths of its AMG product portfolio in order to meet emission regulations. Keep in mind this follows word that the next-gen C63 is expected to move from its current-gen 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 to a 2.0-liter four cylinder powerplant. Recall not too long ago it used a massive 6.2-liter V8 that could wake the dead.

Here's the thing: It's not just happening at Mercedes. Even automakers like Aston Martin have abandoned their traditional engines for smaller displacement units. The 6.0-liter V12 Aston was known for has been replaced with a 5.2-liter V12.

Who knows how much longer until its cylinder count starts shrinking and the V12, V10s and V8s gets put away for the sixes and fours?

So, I've got to ask, Spies: Do YOU think we're living in the end times for large displacement motors and engines with more cylinders?

skytop - 12/21/2019 12:58:34 PM

0 Boost

End times arriving for big honking petro engines and end times of manual transmissions.

Agent00R - 12/21/2019 12:59:53 PM

0 Boost

Certainly looks that way...

MDarringer - 12/21/2019 1:16:34 PM

0 Boost

Manual transmissions are no loss given automatics that shift far faster and have more cogs. Turbos and hybridization will keep cars fast.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 12/21/2019 2:08:26 PM

+3 Boost

They will just become hybrids that are able to run on battery power in the city so they don't need to use the V8 or V12. This will allow them to comply with future regulation and meet corporate fleet averages for fuel efficiency or emissions.

TomM - 12/21/2019 4:10:03 PM

+2 Boost

I have said this before - cars are progressing to the point that they will be able to be controlled at least partially from outside the car.

Eventually - your speed will be controlled by the signs on the road - merging onto and off highways will be better when all the cars involved will be sequenced for the operation. Follow distance will be mandated - as well. You won't be able to speed - so no need to massive acceleration.

THe fun will be gone. Obviously - if it is being controlled from the outside -manual transmissions would not work. That is the end of them. They are already eliminating the V-12 - and soon all will be Turbo and smaller.

PUGPROUD - 12/21/2019 4:55:41 PM

+2 Boost

Will miss the sound of a sweet reving V-8 engine. There will likely be a cult following once out of production with escalating prices.

MDarringer - 12/21/2019 5:35:30 PM

-1 Boost

GM, Ford, and Chrysler should create a shared V8 because V8s will still be needed but harder for one brand to go it alone.

skytop - 12/21/2019 6:27:02 PM

+1 Boost

I don't want no stink'n Chevy or Fiat engine in my stink'n Mustang GT350.

MDarringer - 12/21/2019 8:58:16 PM

0 Boost

Then you'll have no V8s at all because there will come a point that the big 3 can no longer justify V8 on their own and will stop production.

dlin - 12/21/2019 8:26:15 PM

+3 Boost

Weight is the enemy, particularly up front

MDarringer - 12/21/2019 8:58:57 PM

0 Boost

actually, you're wrong. Weight is the enemy out back much more so.

Foncool - 12/22/2019 7:31:41 AM

+1 Boost

“ The report of my death was an exaggeration.” ~ Mark Twain

We’ve been down this road before, jut like today government regulators forced manufacturers into building certain types of cars that the consumers rejected. History has a way of repeating itself.

supermoto - 12/24/2019 7:36:49 PM

+1 Boost

If weight is the enemy, then EVs are the greatest enemy. They are tanks. Just under 5,000 lbs for a Model S Peformance.