Transverse mid-engined cars
Discussion
I think you must define "really successful", if the MR2 is not there for you.
No mid engined car can ever sell in numbers similar to those of run of the mill front engined ones for the very simple reason that by definition a middie's engine location makes it impractical as it practically rules out having rear seats.
No mid engined car can ever sell in numbers similar to those of run of the mill front engined ones for the very simple reason that by definition a middie's engine location makes it impractical as it practically rules out having rear seats.
MintSprint said:
Ozzie Osmond said:
I know there have been some good ones (NSX, MR2) but I mean really successful in the market-place.
It doesn't get much more successful in the market place than the MR2, in sports car terms.As has been said about, I agree, if you don't define the MR2 as successful, then chances are nothing ever will be.
It's as said, popping the engine just in front of the rear axle makes it almost impossible to put in rear seats and luggage space. The rear seats being the killer for super mass market appeal.
I say almost impossible, because of course you could do it... it's be a like a stretch MR2 (think 911 to Panemera)... which would probably also negate many of the benefits of going mid-engined. Do that and you have no USP, so why bother.
It's as said, popping the engine just in front of the rear axle makes it almost impossible to put in rear seats and luggage space. The rear seats being the killer for super mass market appeal.
I say almost impossible, because of course you could do it... it's be a like a stretch MR2 (think 911 to Panemera)... which would probably also negate many of the benefits of going mid-engined. Do that and you have no USP, so why bother.
RobinBanks said:
I agree. Also the MG F and TF did quite well in Britain. I'm pretty sure that they had a transverse engine.
Wasn't the MGF the best selling sports car in the UK for every year of its production? I rather suspect that in total many more transverse mid-engined cars have been sold than longitudinal mid-engined ones (unless you allow the definition of "mid engined" to include cars with the engine in front of the passenger cell). In fact I wouldn't be that surprised to learn that more MR2s have been sold than all longitudinal rear-mid-engined cars combined?
Edited by kambites on Tuesday 18th November 10:41
kambites said:
I rather suspect that in total many more transverse mid-engined cars have been sold than longitudinal mid-engined ones (unless you allow the definition of "mid engined" to include cars with the engine in front of the passenger cell). In fact I wouldn't be that surprised to learn that more MR2s have been sold than all longitudinal rear-mid-engined cars combined?
With that sort of statement I had to check it out - global sales of MR2s (if the MR2 wiki is to be believed) is in the region of 292,000.I'm not adding up all other manufacturers, but Ferrari apparently sold about 17,000 360s worldwide, and it's estimated that all (front- and mid-engined type approved) Ferraris sold is in the region of 130,000.
996TT02 said:
I think you must define "really successful", if the MR2 is not there for you.
MR2 seemed to me the most successful of them in terms of sales - sadly now discontinued.Elise worth an honourable mention for sure.
MGF - oh dear
Pontiac Fiero shifted a reasonable number. (I think the only significant mid engine from USA)
It seems to me that when buyers go mid-engined they generally want a full-blown exotic layout rather than the front of a hatchback stuck under the back of their sportscar.
Ozzie Osmond said:
It seems to me that when buyers go mid-engined they generally want a full-blown exotic layout rather than the front of a hatchback stuck under the back of their sportscar.
Er... that's exactly what the X1/9 and MR2 were. (Fiat 128 and Toyota Corolla.)They were HUGELY successful compared to any longitudinal mid-engined cars. I think you've got the wrong end of this particular stick.
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