General Motors has announced that it is dropping plans for a next generation V8 engine for it’s luxury lines. The engine was slotted to replace the long running NorthStar V8 powering most V8 Cadillacs.

Though many speculate the much tougher U.S. Fuel economy standards, GM is quick to point out the reason is a “decline in demand for the sophisticated V8.”

Whatever it is, it is clear that with the ever growing technology a V8 is not a necessity for smooth strong power. GM Powertrain Spokesman Tom Read said, “We never announced any applications. I don’t want to speculate what we had in mind. We just said luxury vehicles. The V6 is becoming a much more popular choice.”

Read pointed out that the new direct-injection V6 in the 2008 Cadillac CTS develops 304 horsepower, a high-powered choice that he said appears to satisfy many buyers. The current Northstar V8 makes 275 hp in the 2008 Cadillac DTS. “There are a lot of options to cover that premium V8 segment,” Read said. “GM has the breadth in its (engine) portfolio to move with the market.” Read also emphasized that just because the advanced DOHC V8 program is dead for now, it “doesn’t mean that V8s are going away. We have a huge V8 family in the small block and there is a lot of technology we are adding to that, such as variable valve timing and lightweight materials,” he said.

It seems the world is changing their perspective on power and GM is right there, willing and able to give us what we want with what we don’t want.