Engine Layout: Transverse

While supercars and hypercars may or may not use a different layout suited to the car in terms of adequate weight distribution, a transverse layout is the most commonly used. The main reason behind this is the ease to produce cars in huge numbers. In this layout, the engine is placed perpendicular to the axis of the car and placed at the front. This also means that the load of the engine is taken by the axle, bringing down the production cost of the vehicle. In most Indian makes, the car uses a FF layout with the drive and the engine, both being in the front of the car.

The distance between the engine and other mechanical parts like the transmission and drive also become minimal, thereby reducing costs to a large extent. However, SUVs and MPVs may use a different format like a transverse engine put in the front and the drive at the rear or all four wheels.

The downside of this layout is that the maximum weight of the car comes in the front which disrupts the weight distribution. However, for a small capacity engine, this weight distribution is does not level out to a large extent. In high capacity vehicles, counterweights and mechanical parts are put in the centre or the rear of the car to make a near about even weight distribution. Whether a V engine or an inline engine, both go with this layout.