Afront-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout(FR), also calledSystème Panhard[1][2][3] is apowertrain layout with an engine in front andrear-wheel-drive, connected via adrive shaft. This arrangement, with the engine straddling the front axle, was the traditional automobile layout for most of the pre-1950s automotive mechanical projects.[4] It is also used in trucks, pickups, andhigh-floorbuses andschool buses.
Afront mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout(FMR) places the engine in the front half of the vehicle butbehind the front axle, which likewise drives the rear wheels via a driveshaft. Shifting the engine'scenter of mass rearward aids in front/rearweight distribution and reduces themoment of inertia, both of which improve a vehicle'shandling.While the mechanical layout of an FMR is substantially the same as an FR car, the classification of some models of the same vehicle may vary as either FR or FMR depending on the length of the engine (e.g. 4-cylinder vs. 6-cylinder) and its center of mass in relation to the front axle.[citation needed]
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.2+2-stylegrand tourers often have FMR layouts, as a rear engine does not leave much space for rear seats.
