There was once a time when V8-powered sedans and wagons ruled America’s roads. The V8 was once the default answer here in America and beloved internationally, too. But times have been changing. V8 engines used to power everything from cop cars to taxis, now, the American V8 rear-wheel-drive sedan appears to be making its last stand with the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, and cars will be much sadder when it’s gone.
Thomas wrote a Morning Dump detailing, among other things, how Lexus is ending production of the LC 500. The Lexus RC is being discontinued, and Lexus has hinted at the death of the V8 IS with the Ultimate Edition. If true, it may soon be no longer possible to get a V8 Lexus, and that’s sad. Thomas asked you about what other car you’d be sad to see go. V10omous says:
The CT4/5 and especially the Blackwings represent the last of so much:
Last sedans made by GM
Last applications of the TR6060
Assuming the IS500 goes as well, the last V8, RWD sedan made by anyone
Presumably the end of GM’s non-Corvette, non-SUV performance offerings
V10 is almost right. There is also the BMW M8 Gran Coupe, the Audi S8, the Bentley Flying Spur, the Porsche Panamera, and the BMW 7 Series, but most of those are all-wheel-drive. The Panamera can be had in rear-wheel-drive, as can the BMW 7 Series, but the Bentley, the BMW Gran Coupe, and the Audi are AWD, albeit with a rear bias. Certainly, only the Cadillac is American, which is so sad. Save the American V8 sedan!
Jason wrote about how Stevinus’s flying chariot might be the earliest mention of a horseless carriage in literature. It’s all deeply cool, and I recommend reading that story. Sid Bridge:
I had to stop reading after Tristram Shandy’s street takeover where he tried to use a rather powerful eddy to do donuts in the town square while Stevinus attempted to capture the whole thing with his pinhole camera. Uncle Toby is yet to be reimbursed for what happened to his prized goose.
David wrote about how he wants to own a Jeep Wrangler JL one day, the SUV that he helped bring to reality.
Hiram McDaniel:
Seems like only a few months ago that DT was washing suspension parts in the sink. Now he is making car decisions using an actual adult themed brain.
Have a great evening, everyone!
(Topshot: Cadillac)
Poor one out for the Japanese RWD V8 as well…the Lexus IS 500 is already singing its swan song. The final batch is about to be sent to dealers and then there aren’t any more.
In fact, the lovably imperfect Lexus IS will take the reins as the only RWD Japanese sedan on sale stateside as the LS 500 enters into hibernation before returning in a couple years as a futuristic crossover with solid state batteries.
Unfortunately I’m 1000% sure Toyota is going to make them some sort of special edition, they’re going to MSRP for $75,000, and JDM bros are going to pay $90,000 for them. The IS500 is neat but it’s too goddamn expensive for what it is.
V10 is 100% right. Not always, but I am here.
The RWD Panamera and 7/8 Series are 6 cylinder only.
The CT5 BW and the IS500 are the only RWD V8 sedans made by anyone.
An insane fall for what used to be the default vehicle on American roads.
Maybe Dodge will bring back the V8 in the new Charger, and there’s talk about a 4-door Mustang, so there is hope.
I would put down a deposit for a 4 door Mustang tomorrow
Good news! They have one of those! And it doesn’t even use any gas!!!
HOW DARE YOU
I would prefer they not call it a mustang though. or at least do small not so ugly clamshell rear doors. the 4 door charger currently looks off to me and the allowance for the 4 doors in the 2 door form affects the overall flow lines.
I don’t care at all. If it’s a V8 rear wheel drive Ford car and they want to call it a Mustang that’s fine by me. They already call an anonymous EV crossover a Mustang.
And amazingly even after Camaro left the building and Corvettes went Rear engine, the RWD v8 Caddy is still available with optional Six Speed manual transmission. that alone is why I want one more than any of those finicky German piles.
Wow, about a decade ago I was thinking “I need to own a V8 while I still can” and it looks like those days are really coming now. Weird that the Germans are the major holdouts, I always figured the US would be the last stand of the V8.
Anyway, off to peruse the Cadillac
CivicCTSCT5 while I still can!The German V8s are all weird, forced induction, usually electrified, smaller V8s too. They’re neat in their own way but there’s no replacement for a 6+ liter hunk of American iron at full throttle.
I think it’s pushrods you’re after. OHC motors just feel different.
In these very chaotic times there’s a real comfort to be taken in consistency. Every day I know that regardless of what’s going on the sun will rise in the east and set in the west. I know that my wife, little one, and dog will be there if I have a rough day or the news is too bleak to wrap my head around…and I know that our pal V10emous will be there to remind us all to enjoy rear wheel drive cars with 8 or more cylinders while we still can.