Originally Posted by WesC7

I was unsuccessful searching for a thread which discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the ME for the "normal", everyday Corvette driver. With weight distribution in the C7 about as close to 50/50 as they can get, I'm wondering what the ME will provide that the C7 doesn't already offer.

Originally Posted by JoesC5

You don't have a clue as to what I just said, so I'll try and save writing six thousand words by showing you six photographs instead. Then maybe you will understand, that I'm not talking about chains, engines over the transmission, front drive cars with traverse mounted engines, etc.

This photo is of the C7. Kindly notice that it has a front mounted engine with the power going through the torque tube into the transmission that is mounted in front of the differential, and then into the differential.



This photo is of the Mercedes AMG GT. Kindly notice that it has a front mounted engine with the power going through the torque tube into the transmission that is mounted behind the differential. The transmission is designed to then route the power 180 degrees(without using a chain) into the differential.





If you can understand the photos, then you will see why the passenger compartment is located closer to the rear axle on the AMG GT than with the C7 and you will see why the AMG GT has a better weight distribution(47/53) than the C7.

Here is a photo of the Porsche transaxle(from the Boxster) that has the bellhousing on the right(that bolts to the engine or can bolted to a torque tube like is used in the C7 and the AMG GT)with the power going into the transmission that is located behind the differential, and the power is then directed 180 degrees to go to the pinon and ring gear in the differential. The photo is perfectly clear as to how this happens. No chains, belts or ropes required. This design transaxle does not raise the mass to a higher point than the mass of the C7's transaxle. No change in the height of the center of gravity as you claim.





If GM does release a mid engine car(whether it be as a Corvette and/or a Cadillac) the transmission will have to be located behind the differential(if you don't want to share the passenger compartment with the engine). That same transmission can then be shared with the front engine C8(economies of scale) to help lower the cost of the transmission.

Speaking of mid engine cars from GM, notice how the muffler and tailpipes are designed on the AMG GT in the photo above. Now look at the photos of the camo'd mid engine GM car and its exhaust pipes and muffler(behind the expanded meal screen). Clear indication that the mid engine GM car has a transaxle with the transmission located behind the differential.



Here is a photo of a mid engine car under construction that uses a Chevy LS engine bolted to a transaxle that has the transmission located behind the differential. If you wanted this particular car to be a front engine design, then stick a 6' long torque tube between the engine and the transaxle., and locate the passenger compartment as close to the rear axle as possible.

AS can be clearly seen, if the transmission was located between the engine and the differential, then the engine would be sitting between the driver's and the passenger's seats, making for a very uncomfortable ride.



Also notice that with the design of this particular transaxle, the center of gravity is very low.