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Revision as of 15:51, 7 October 2004
In Automobile design, an FR, or Front-engine, Rear wheel drive, layout places the engine in the front of the vehicle and drive wheels at the rear. This was the traditional automobile layout for most of the 20th century. This layout is typically chosen for its simple design and weight distribution. Placing the engine at the front gives the vehicle a traditional long hood. Placing the drive wheels at the rear allows ample room for the transmission in the center of the vehicle.
The first FR car was an 1895 Panhard model, so this layout was known as the "Systeme Panhard" in the early years. Most cars used the FR layout until the 1980s, exemplified by the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, and vehicles from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The Oil crisis of the 1970s and the success of small FF cars like the Mini and Honda Civic led to the widespread adoption of that layout. Today, most cars are FF, though the limitations of that layout are beginning to become apparent. Many of the newest models have adopted all wheel drive, and some, like the Chrysler 300 are switching back to the FR layout. Most sports cars and luxury cars have always been FR.
Recently, a new layout called FM for Front-midships has appeared. An FM car places the engine in the front like an FR car, but pushed back enough that the center of gravity is rear of the front axle. This aids in weight distribution and handling. Typical FM cars are the Nissan 350Z and Mazda RX-8.
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