The 10 cheapest new V8-powered cars in Australia

Once upon a time, the rumbling of eight-cylinder engines could be heard right across Australia.

In particular, a distinctly Aussie pair of V8s ruled our roads: the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore.

But those days are over, and both the aforementioned models are no more. Instead, the Australian automotive landscape is now ruled by SUVs and utes powered by low-displacement, turbocharged powertrains with six or fewer cylinders.

While that won’t bother many (it certainly hasn’t stopped us from flocking to purchase new vehicles), some enthusiast buyers still yearn for V8 power.

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The bad news is that affordable V8 vehicles are hard to come by in 2024. On the flip side, the cheapest eight-cylinder car in the country is a sports car icon.

Without further ado, here are the 10 cheapest new V8-powered cars you can buy in Australia right now.

Click on a car’s name above to jump directly to its information on the page, or continue scrolling for the full list.

Ford Mustang GT

In a world of EVs and SUVs, the Ford Mustang stands alone as a V8 muscle car within the realms of affordability.

Although four-cylinder versions are available, the V8 Mustang GT starts at $78,990 before on-road costs, while the track-ready Dark Horse tops the range at around $100k plus on-roads.

All eight-cylinder variants feature the 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8, which in the GT pumps out 347kW of power and 550Nm of torque.

Just like sports cars of old, the Mustang GT is available with a do-it-yourself manual gearbox, with power sent to the rear wheels only.

Nissan Patrol

The V8-powered Nissan Patrol is living on borrowed time.

The next generation has been revealed with a twin-turbo V6, spelling the end of eight-cylinder power in the rugged family SUV.

Until that model arrives here in 2027, you can pick up a Y62-series Patrol for $88,900 before on-road costs, which packs a 5.6-litre V8 producing 298kW and 560N sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.

And with seven seats to fill, the whole family can enjoy that characteristic rumble.

Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 is the first, but certainly not the last, full-sized pickup truck on this list.

However, it’s the cheapest of the lot, with the outgoing Big Horn currently being offered for $114,950 with no on-road costs ahead of the launch of an updated 1500 with a twin-turbo inline six.

That’s right, if you want a V8-powered Ram you’ll need to get in quick.

The outgoing base model is powered by a 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine producing 291kW of power and 556Nm of torque.

If you’ve got cash to splash, the flagship 1500 TRX gains a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 producing 523kW and 882Nm… more than many supercars.

Ram claims the 1500 TRX can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Joining the Ram 1500 in the American pickup category is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, which also proudly represents V8 power.

Starting from $130,500 plus on-roads, the range is powered exclusively by a 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine producing 313kW of power and 624Nm of torque.

All variants pair that beefy power plant with a 10-speed automatic transmission that sends drive through a full-time four-wheel drive system which has 2H, 4A, 4H, and 4L modes.

The Australian-market Chevrolet Silverado 1500 continues to be imported by General Motors Speciality Vehicles (GMSV) and converted from left- to right-hand drive by Walkinshaw in Melbourne.

Chevrolet Silverado HD

Wait, another Silverado? That’s right, there’s an even bigger Chevy pickup on the market, and it packs an upsized engine to match.

Under the bonnet of this behemoth is a 6.6-litre Duramax V8 turbo-diesel engine that produces 350kW of power and 1322Nm of torque. And before you ask, that’s not a typo.

The Silverado HD starts at $163,000 before on-road costs, and is only available in a single variant.

As with the 1500, the HD is converted from left- to right-hand drive by Walkinshaw in Melbourne.

BMW X5 M60i

BMW offers a choice of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid power in the X5, and among those options is a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8.

It’s found in the range-topping M60i trim grade, which retails for $172,900 before on-road costs.

The engine in question produces 390kW and 750Nm, good for a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.3 seconds.

On top of a muscular V8, the M60i gains an M Sport exhaust, adaptive M suspension, rear-wheel steering, and an M Sport differential.

Audi SQ7

The Audi Q7 range opens at $117,284 before on-road costs, but you’ll have to fork out $174,815 plus on-roads for the V8 SQ7.

With a 4.0-litre twin-turbo eight-cylinder engine, the SQ7 dispatches the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds and will surge all the way to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

Sitting at the top of the Q7 range, the SQ7 features a comprehensive suite of standard equipment including adaptive suspension, rear-wheel steering, and 22-inch alloy wheels.

At 5067mm long, 1970mm wide, and 1781mm tall, it’s also a true seven-seater.

Chevrolet Corvette

Finally, another sports car!

In Australia, the Corvette family has expanded to include three different powertrains, but the most affordable 2LT and 3LT models are powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine making 369kW of power and 637Nm of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the car is rear-wheel drive.

The 2LT Coupe starts at $175,000 before on-road costs, but if you’re chasing the quickest lap times then the high-performance Z06 is available for $336,000 plus on-roads.

Rather than a software tune or forced induction, the Z06 brings a bespoke 5.5-litre flat-plane crank V8 making 475kW and 595Nm, enough to propel it from 0-100km/h in 2.6 seconds.

Audi SQ8

Like the Audi SQ7, the SQ8 packs a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 373kW of power and 770Nm of torque.

However, the engine is hidden by sexier, swoopier bodywork in this application, and the cabin features five seats rather than seven.

The SQ8 is also more expensive than its SQ7 stablemate, priced from $178,815 before on-road costs.

While it misses out on a third row of seating, it has 605L of cargo capacity and a sliding second row.

BMW X6 M60i

As with Audi’s SQ7 and SQ8 pairing, the BMW X5 and X6 also share powertrains, including a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 390kW of power and 750Nm of torque.

All powertrains now have a 48V mild-hybrid system featuring an electric motor integrated with the transmission that can provide a boost of up to 9kW and 200Nm. 

The list of standard equipment also includes adaptive suspension, with adaptive air suspension optional. The M60i gains BMW’s Integral Active Steering.

In top-spec M60i guise, the X6 commands a $6000 premium over the equivalent X5, making it the 10th cheapest V8 you can buy new in Australia.