Front-mid-engine layout vs. rear-mid-engine layout?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 10,084
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From: CA
Re: Front-mid-engine layout vs. rear-mid-engine. (SWCDuke)
GM also realized that there were some handling and stability issues with mid-engine cars, and the Corvair experience was still pretty fresh in their minds through the seventies, and at that point it was all they could do to keep up with rapidly changing safety and emissions issues, so a new car was out of the question.
Once Dave got the go ahead to do C4 the mid-engine cost issue reappeared, so it was clear that the basic architecture would remain front engine/rear drive.
Once Dave got the go ahead to do C4 the mid-engine cost issue reappeared, so it was clear that the basic architecture would remain front engine/rear drive.
With all the politics with Marketing, the fact that the Fiero was ever built was an absolute miracle.
Michael
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
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Re: Front-mid-engine layout vs. rear-mid-engine. (Michael A)
Technical papers both internal and industry. Books. It's no secret that mid engine cars have tricky dynamics, but in recent years this was probably a minor issue. Marketing and cost input will likely always require the Corvette to be a front engine/rear drive configuration.
Duke
Duke
