As the V8 enters its final act, Ford is reportedly planning an engine with huge performance – but it won't be available in showrooms.
The 2023 Ford Mustang – revealed earlier this month – will be one of the last passenger-cars of its generation with a petrol V8, now the Blue Oval brand is reportedly planning on going out with a bang.
Reports out of Detroit claim Ford has something even bigger planned before the iconic V8 disappears completely.
A trademark application – first reported by CarBuzz – shows Ford in the US has applied to use the name ‘Megazilla’ on an upcoming engine.
While this isn’t the first time we’ve heard of the Megazilla project, the trademark was submitted as a Class 12 filing, which is reserved for “crate motors, namely, electric motors and internal combustion engines for automobiles; and powertrains for automobiles”.
Ford first hinted at the Megazilla engine in December 2020, though Ford Performance Product Manager Mike Goodwin didn’t offer any details, simply referring to it as a “super-secret project” during a video about the 7.3-litre ‘Godzilla’ V8 crate motor.
Popular in the US with enthusiast DIY car-builders and drag-racers, crate motors are typically sold off the shelf by vehicle manufacturers as a high-performance turn-key option.
In March 2022, a Mustang Shelby GT350 with a large bonnet bulge was spotted driving in Michigan, with Ford using the vehicle to test a manual transmission control package for the 7.3-litre V8 (top).
The non-turbocharged and non-supercharged (also known as 'naturally-aspirated', as it has no forced air induction) Godzilla V8 has a claimed output of 321kW.
However, a rumour from website Ford Authority in May 2021 suggested the car giant was considering adding twin turbochargers to the Godzilla – and all signs point to it adopting the 'Megazilla' name.
Horsepower figures weren’t discussed in the report, but aftermarket tuners have extracted in excess of 800kW by fitting turbos to the 7.3-litre V8.
As with the Godzilla on which it’s likely based, the Megazilla V8 is also expected to be offered as a high-output crate motor from Ford Performance, allowing the company to circumvent strict emissions laws required for production cars.
Ben Zachariah is an experienced writer and motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than two decades. Ben began writing professionally more than 15 years ago and was previously an interstate truck driver. He completed his MBA in Finance in early 2021 and is considered an expert on classic car investment.
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FAQs
Megazilla's official specs are 615 horsepower at 5,750 rpm, 638 pound-feet of torque at 4,650 rpm (two fewer torques than initially announced at 860 more rpm), 500 lb-ft available from 2,500 to 6,000 rpm when drinking premium gasoline.
What is the most powerful Ford V8 engine? ›
5.2-Liter Supercharged Predator V8 – 760 HP
The Predator V8 is one of the newest powerplants in Ford's engine lineup. This supercharged V8 engine debuted in 2019, powering the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.
Is Ford doing away with V8 engines? ›
Ford has been able to continue to sell Mustang V8 models in part because it has invested in making the vehicles more efficient and it was early to adopt smaller, turbocharged four-cylinder engines that now make up about 48% of Mustang sales in the U.S.
What is the difference between the 7.3 Megazilla and Godzilla? ›
The Megazilla however is estimated to deliver 615 hp at 5,800 rpm and 640 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm, with the torque figure estimated to crest 500 lb-ft as soon as 2,000 rpm and hold above it all the way through to 6,000 rpm. The Godzilla delivers a maximum 430 hp at 5,500 rpm and 475 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
How much horsepower does a 7.3 Godzilla Ford Motor have? ›
This is a power curve from Ford based on the production engine: 430 horsepower at 5,500 RPM.
What was the actual horsepower of a 428 cobra jet? ›
With the Muscle Car horsepower race escalating for the 1968 season, Ford Motor Company introduced its all-new 428-cubic inch Cobra Jet engine. With 335 hp, the potent 428 CJ offered a huge leap in power over the smaller 390-cube V8, which was the top Mustang engine for 1967.
What is Ford's most powerful crate engine? ›
The Eaton-blown powerplant is good for 760hp
Ford has officially revealed its most powerful crate motor yet, in the form of a 760hp (567kW) Predator V8.
Why are v8s being discontinued? ›
Hemi V8 engine makers, Stellantis announced that they will discontinue this specific engine by the end of 2023 because of new emission laws and overall industry evolution.
Is GM making a new V8? ›
The company announced an $854 million investment on an all-new, sixth-generation small-block V-8 engine. It's a collective sigh of relief for V-8 engine fans, particularly since the sixth-generation V-8 will also power a ninth generation (C9) Corvette due in 2028.
Who makes the 7.3 Godzilla engine? ›
The Ford Godzilla engine is a family of V8 engines offered by the Ford Motor Company.
7.3L V8 Traditional Gas Engine: Will provide an estimated 430 hp and 485 lb-ft of torque. Capable of towing up to 22,000 pounds. 6.7L Power Stroke® Diesel V8: Estimates not yet available. High Output 6.7L Power Stroke® Diesel V8: Will provide best-in-class 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque.
How much horsepower does the Megazilla have? ›
Based on the tamer Godzilla engine available in some of the Blue Oval's heavy-duty pickups, the Megazilla produces 615 horsepower and 638 pound-feet of torque from 7.3 liters.
How much HP can you get out of a 7.3 Power Stroke? ›
The 7.3 Powerstroke is a two-valve behemoth which measures in at 444 cubic inches and has a maximum stock power rating of 275hp and 525lb. ft. of torque.
Can a 7.3 Power Stroke make 1000hp? ›
In May 2009, the first Power Stroke to hit 1,000 hp was a 6.0L. Earlier this year, a 6.4L did it as well. But between these two milestones, Mike Ontiveros accomplished the same goal with an engine most thought would never make the cut-a 7.3L Power Stroke.
Does the 7.3 Godzilla have forged internals? ›
Additionally, the engine gets Callies forged H-beam connecting rods, Mahle forged pistons and it comes with injectors and wiring. And if you like torque, this is the engine for you. “It produces over 500 ft-lbs. from 2,200 rpm all the way to 6,000 rpm,” said Mike Goodwin of Ford Performance.
