Ford is making a significant change to its Super Duty truck lineup, and fans of big gas-powered V8 engines are likely going to approve. According to reports from The Drive and Car and Driver, Ford plans to eliminate the 6.8-liter gas V8 from the Super Duty lineup and make the larger 7.3-liter “Godzilla” V8 the standard gas engine in upcoming models.
If the reports are accurate — and they appear to be based on dealer ordering information and industry documentation — it marks an unusual move in today’s automotive landscape. Most automakers are downsizing engines, adding turbochargers, or pushing buyers toward electrification. Ford, meanwhile, appears to be leaning harder into traditional heavy-duty truck power.
The current 6.8-liter V8 serves as the base gas engine in Ford’s Super Duty lineup and produces 405 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. The larger 7.3-liter V8 delivers 430 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque and has become extremely popular among heavy-duty truck buyers since its introduction.
Known affectionately as the “Godzilla” engine among truck enthusiasts, the 7.3-liter has developed a reputation for strong reliability, impressive towing capability, and a simpler design compared with turbocharged engines. Unlike many modern powertrains, it is naturally aspirated, something many traditional truck buyers still appreciate.
According to Car and Driver, Ford is also expected to discontinue the standard-output version of its 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine. If that happens, diesel buyers would reportedly move directly to the high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke, which produces 500 horsepower and an enormous 1,200 pound-feet of torque.
That amount of torque is difficult to comprehend unless you regularly tow equipment, horse trailers, large RVs, or enough construction gear to rebuild a football stadium.
Ford’s apparent strategy seems to reflect what heavy-duty buyers continue to demand: more capability, fewer compromises, and simpler ordering choices. Instead of offering several overlapping engine options, Ford may be streamlining the lineup around the engines buyers are selecting most often anyway.
The 7.3-liter gas V8 has become especially popular with customers who tow regularly but do not necessarily want the higher purchase price and maintenance costs associated with diesel ownership. Diesel fuel prices, diesel exhaust fluid requirements, and more expensive repairs have caused many buyers to reconsider whether they truly need a diesel engine for their specific use.
For many RV owners, contractors, ranchers, and fleet operators, the larger gas V8 offers an appealing middle ground. It delivers substantial towing power while avoiding much of the complexity that comes with modern diesel emissions systems.
Recent testing by Car and Driver showed that a 7.3-liter-equipped Ford F-250 delivered strong acceleration and towing performance while also offering a higher payload rating than some diesel-equipped trucks because the gas engine weighs less than the diesel.
That lighter weight matters more than many buyers realize. Payload ratings can often become just as important as towing capacity, particularly for customers hauling heavy fifth-wheel trailers or carrying large amounts of cargo in the bed.
The change also highlights something interesting about today’s truck market. Heavy-duty pickups are no longer basic work vehicles for many buyers. They are daily transportation, long-distance towing machines, and family travel vehicles all rolled into one. Buyers are keeping them longer, driving them farther, and expecting more durability than ever before.
And while the automotive industry continues racing toward electrification, the heavy-duty truck market remains one of the strongest areas for large-displacement gas engines. Buyers in this segment still value proven durability, ease of maintenance, and straightforward mechanical design.
Ford has not yet officially confirmed full pricing details or complete specifications tied to the reported engine lineup changes. However, multiple industry outlets indicate the changes are expected for the 2027 Super Duty lineup.
One thing seems fairly certain, though: if Ford is making the larger 7.3-liter V8 standard equipment, Super Duty buyers probably should not expect lower sticker prices anytime soon.
Then again, considering the price of heavy-duty pickups today, another big V8 almost feels like Ford is tossing in a free appetizer with the $80 steak.