Have there ever been any transverse rear-engined cars?
The vast majority of cars on the road today have their engines mounted in the front of the vehicle, with the transmission and drivetrain located in the rear. However, there have been a few notable exceptions to this rule, with some cars featuring transverse rear-mounted engines.
What is a transverse rear-mounted engine?
A transverse rear-mounted engine is an engine that is mounted perpendicular to the car’s longitudinal axis, with the crankshaft running from side to side. This is in contrast to a longitudinally mounted engine, which is mounted parallel to the car’s longitudinal axis, with the crankshaft running from front to back.
There are several advantages to using a transverse rear-mounted engine layout. First, it allows for a more compact engine compartment, which can free up space in the passenger compartment or trunk. Second, it can improve weight distribution, which can lead to better handling and performance. Third, it can reduce noise and vibration in the passenger compartment.
Examples of transverse rear-engined cars
There have been a few notable examples of transverse rear-engined cars over the years, including:
- The Chevrolet Corvair (1960-1969)
- The Ford Pinto (1971-1980)
- The Volkswagen Type 4 (1974-1982)
- The Porsche 924 (1976-1988)
- The Pontiac Fiero (1984-1988)
Why are there so few transverse rear-engined cars?
Despite the advantages of using a transverse rear-mounted engine layout, there are also some significant drawbacks. One of the biggest drawbacks is that it can be difficult to package a transverse rear-mounted engine in a way that provides adequate cooling and lubrication. Another drawback is that it can be difficult to access the engine for maintenance and repairs.
As a result of these drawbacks, transverse rear-mounted engines are relativamente rare. Most car manufacturers prefer to use longitudinally mounted engines, which are more conventional and easier to package.
Conclusion
Transverse rear-mounted engines offer several advantages over longitudinally mounted engines, including a more compact engine compartment, better weight distribution, and reduced noise and vibration. However, there are also some significant drawbacks to using a transverse rear-mounted engine layout, which is why they are relatively rare.
