Ford Super Duty Eliminates 6.8L Engine, Now Offering 7.3L Gas V8 as Standard

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      It’s clear by now that Ford’s 7.3-liter gas V8 is a hit with drivers. Since its introduction in the 2020 model year, this engine—nicknamed “Godzilla”—has powered many Super Duty trucks as well as several hot rods. Until now, it has been an optional upgrade, with the 6.2-liter serving as the standard Super Duty engine until it was replaced by the 6.8-liter, which is essentially a downtuned version of the 7.3-liter. However, Ford has now removed the smaller gas V8 entirely for the 2027 model year.

      This change was first noted in a new Super Duty order guide by Ford Truck Enthusiasts, and a representative from Ford confirmed it to The Drive. When asked for a statement, the Ford spokesperson said, “To better align with the needs of our customers, we are making the Ford 7.3L V8—our most powerful and popular gas engine—the standard gas engine across our Super Duty lineup.”

      It’s surprising to see the 6.8-liter engine disappear so quickly after being introduced in 2023. There were no significant complaints about this "Little Brother" engine. It appears that enough customers—and probably dealers—were opting for the 7.3-liter in their Super Dutys, making this decision an obvious one. The 7.3-liter engine costs only an additional $1,000, increasing power from 405 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque to 430 hp and 485 lb-ft.

      Truck buyers generally prefer more power, even if the lower output is sufficient for their needs. For instance, Ford is also discontinuing the standard-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke, which produced 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. The previously termed high-output version will now be the only diesel option available, generating 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. The Ford spokesperson explained, “By making our best-in-class 6.7L high-output Power Stroke diesel engine standard for 2027, we are prioritizing our most advanced diesel technology and ensuring that Super Duty remains the leader in heavy-duty capability.”

      Similarly, Ram has made a comparable change for the 2025 model year, upgrading its base engine to a more powerful Cummins.

      In summary, Ford is standardizing its most powerful engines, reflecting customer preference. This shift also allows for increased revenue on base models, as the high-output Power Stroke was previously a $2,500 upgrade over the old standard-output version. But that's not anything new.

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