How Many Cylinders Do NASCAR Race Cars Have?

NASCAR’s top-tier race cars use V8 engines with eight cylinders. As of 2025, the Cup, Xfinity, and Craftsman Truck Series all run naturally aspirated, pushrod V8s—a defining feature that shapes the sport’s sound, power delivery, and on-track character.

What “eight cylinders” means in NASCAR

In NASCAR, “eight cylinders” refers to a V8 configuration: two banks of four cylinders arranged in a 90-degree “V.” The engines are traditional American-style pushrod (overhead-valve) designs with two valves per cylinder. They are built to strict rules that cap displacement at 358 cubic inches (5.86 liters), use naturally aspirated induction, and operate with tightly controlled rev limits and aero/engine packages to balance speed, reliability, and parity across manufacturers.

Do all national NASCAR series use V8s?

Yes. The NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series all run V8 engines—each with eight cylinders. While the chassis and aero differ by series, the common thread is a rugged, high-revving V8 built for sustained competition over long race distances and varied tracks, from short ovals to superspeedways and road courses.

Key engine facts at a glance

The following points summarize the essential specifications and context for NASCAR race engines across the major series.

• Cylinder count: 8 (V8 layout)
• Configuration: 90-degree, pushrod (OHV), two valves per cylinder
• Displacement limit: 358 cu in (5.86 L)
• Induction: Naturally aspirated
• Fuel delivery: Electronic fuel injection in modern top-tier NASCAR competition
• Power in race trim: Typically about 510–670 horsepower, depending on track package and rules
• Manufacturers in Cup: Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota provide purpose-built racing V8s

Together, these parameters create engines that are incredibly durable, serviceable, and tightly matched—key reasons NASCAR racing remains competitive and cost-contained while preserving its signature sound and spectacle.

Why eight cylinders remain the standard

The V8 is central to NASCAR’s identity and competition model. It offers a blend of torque, reliability, simplicity, and cost control that suits 300–600-mile races and close-quarters oval competition. Strict technical rules ensure parity between manufacturers and teams, while the V8’s responsiveness and acoustics deliver the visceral experience fans expect.

The road ahead

NASCAR has been evaluating future powertrain technologies, including hybrid assistance and alternative fuels, and has conducted demonstrations with electrified prototypes. However, as of 2025, the sanctioned race cars in the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series continue to use eight-cylinder, naturally aspirated V8 engines under the current regulations.

Summary

NASCAR race cars have eight cylinders. All three national series—the Cup, Xfinity, and Craftsman Truck Series—use naturally aspirated, pushrod V8 engines built to a 358 cu in displacement limit, preserving the sport’s hallmark blend of power, durability, and competitive parity.