The V8 engine has represented American speed, power and excess. But fuel prices seem to have deflated good old America muscle.

Sales of V8 engines have dropped by 24% since 2004. The GM Northstar V8, having concluded its run, will not be replaced. GM recently cancelled a $300M V8 development program. To put another nail in the 8 cylinder coffin, the President recently signed into legislation fuel economy standards that will require a 40% improvement in overall gas millage to 35 mpg by 2020.

With the Detroit 3 promoting smaller engines and alternative fuel vehicles it looks like the party might finally be over for a large selection of vehicles with V8's. My sense though is that muscle cars and large pick-ups and SUV's will likely retain V8's.

The future looks like the replacement of V8's with turbocharged 6's that kick out similar power. The Ford EcoBoost seems to be setting the gold standard in the new technology.