Automobile layout

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In automobile design layout is the place where both the engine and driven wheels are.

[edit] Types

front-engine, front-wheel drive, layout places both the engine and driven wheels at the front of the vehicle. This layout is typically chosen for its compact packaging - that is, it takes up very little space, allowing the rest of the vehicle to be designed more flexibly. In contrast with the FR layout, the FF layout eliminates the need for a central tunnel or a higher chassis clearance to accommodate a driveshaft providing power to the rear wheels. Like the RR and MR layouts, it places the heavy engine over the drive wheels which aids traction. As the steered wheels are also the driven wheels, FF cars are generally considered superior to FR cars in conditions such as snow, mud or wet tarmac. However, powerful cars rarely use the FF layout because weight transference under acceleration unloads the front wheels and sharply reduces their grip, effectively putting a cap on the amount of horsepower which could realistically be utilized. Electronic traction control can avoid wheelspin but largely negates the benefit of extra power.

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Layouts: FF, FMR, FR, MF, RMR, RR Engine positioning: Front-engine, Mid-engine, Rear-engine Drive: Front-wheel drive, Rear-wheel drive, Four-wheel drive, Six-wheel drive