<VV>Used to be Novas and Vairs

[Padgett]

> > Having said all that, I'm sure the main reason front engine/FWD came 
> about was strictly packaging - especially for small cars.

Basically legs take less room than luggage. It helps from a manufacturing 
standpoint also - like the Corvair, you just have a power module, not bits 
at both ends and there is no driveshaft tunnel needed.

Luggage/cargo does not have a height restriction and cooling airflow is 
simplified. FWD from a passenger car standpoint really makes a lot of 
sense. Racing and motorhomes are different. Really the big breakthrough was 
CV joints that last for 200,000 miles.

One surprise about modern GM FWD cars is that the engine is in front of the 
transmission. From a pacgaging standpoint it would be simpler if reversed 
and would help balance as well. Anyone know why the engine is all the way 
in front ?  Tire height ?

Padgett