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Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout

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FMR layout, the engine is located behind the front axle.

In automotive design, a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout (FMR) is one that places the engine in the front, with the rear wheels of vehicle being driven. In contrast to the front-engine, rear-wheel drive (FR) layout, the engine is pushed back far enough that its center of mass is to the rear of the front axle. This aids in weight distribution and reduces the moment of inertia, improving the vehicle's handling. The mechanical layout of a FMR is substantially the same as a FR car. Some models of the same vehicle can be classified as either FR or FMR depending on the length of the installed engine (e.g. 4-cylinder vs. 6-cylinder) and its centre of mass in relation to the front axle.

Characteristics

  • FMR cars are often characterized by a long hood and front wheels that are pushed forward to the corners of the vehicle, close to the front bumper. Grand tourers often have FMR layouts, as a rear engine would not leave much space for the rear seats.
  • FMR should also not be confused with a "front midships" location of the engine, referring to the engine being located fully behind the front axle centerline, in which case a car meeting the above FMR center of mass definition could be classified as a FR layout instead.
  • FMR layout came standard in most pre–World War II, front-engine / rear-wheel drive cars.
  • All Chevrolet Corvette from the second generation (model year 1963) through current models are FMR layouts as seen in the engine bay of the Corvette ZR-1.
    All Chevrolet Corvette from the second generation (model year 1963) through current models are FMR layouts as seen in the engine bay of the Corvette ZR-1.
  • The Honda S2000 engine sits clearly behind the top of the shock towers.
    The Honda S2000 engine sits clearly behind the top of the shock towers.
  • The BMW Z4 has plenty of space between front vertical door sill and front wheel, a characteristic of the engine located behind the front axle.
    The BMW Z4 has plenty of space between front vertical door sill and front wheel, a characteristic of the engine located behind the front axle.
  • Still in production, the Morgan +4 and 4/4 are classic "front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layouts."
    Still in production, the Morgan +4 and 4/4 are classic "front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layouts."
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