What Car Had the First V8 Engine?

The First V8 Engine

The first V8 engine was the De Dion-Bouton V8, which was designed by Albert De Dion and Georges Bouton in 1896. The engine was a 2.5-liter, 8-cylinder unit that produced 12 horsepower. It was installed in a De Dion-Bouton car that won the Paris-Bordeaux race in 1899.

Other Early V8 Engines

The De Dion-Bouton V8 was not the only early V8 engine. In 1897, the Panhard & Levassor company produced a 3.6-liter, 8-cylinder engine that was used in a racing car. In 1898, the Benz & Cie company produced a 4.0-liter, 8-cylinder engine that was used in a touring car.

The First V8 Production Car

The first V8 production car was the Cadillac Model 30, which was introduced in 1914. The car was powered by a 3.9-liter, 8-cylinder engine that produced 80 horsepower. The Model 30 was a huge success, and it helped to establish Cadillac as a leading luxury car brand.

The V8 Engine Today

Today, the V8 engine is one of the most popular engine configurations in the world. It is used in a wide variety of vehicles, from sports cars to trucks. The V8 engine is known for its power and torque, and it is often used in vehicles that require a lot of power, such as towing and hauling.

Conclusion

The V8 engine has a long and storied history. It has been used in some of the most iconic cars ever produced, and it continues to be a popular engine configuration today. The V8 engine is a powerful and versatile engine that is well-suited for a wide variety of vehicles.