[Aussie Mike]

I don't think you could call the Gen3 an evolution of the earlier small block chevs. It was a clean sheet of paper. There's not one thing from the old motor that's common with the new motor. It's a push rod V8 is about as close as it gets.

I think Ford went with the mod motor thinking that common design could be used in a lot of different applications. Lop 2 cylinders off and you have a V6 etc, Use one cylinder head on a 4 cylinder block etc. I don't think these other applications have really taken off and development has stalled a bit.

They also designed it to be very short in length to suit Front Wheel Drive applications. Unfortunately this has limited their ability to build big cubic inches. They've made up for it by offering plenty of factory built forced induction options though.

I guess in an age of alternative energy and striving for fuel efficiency etc we should be thankful there are any V8s being developed by the Automakers.

Cheers