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Transaxle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A transaxle, in the automotive field, is a component that combines the functionality of the transmission, the differential and the drive axle into one integrated assembly. Transaxles are near universal in all automobile configurations that have the engine placed at the same end of the car as the driven wheels: the front wheel drive, rear-engined and mid-engined arrangements.
Many mid and rear-engined vehicles use a transverse engine and transaxle, similar to a front wheel drive unit. Others use both a longitudinal engine and transaxle. Ferrari's 1989 Mondial t introduced a "t" arrangement with a longitudinal engine connected to a transverse transaxle, a design the company continues to this day.
Front engine, rear wheel drive vehicles tend to have the transmission up front just after the engine, but sometimes a front engine drives a rear-mounted transaxle. This is generally done for reasons of weight distribution, and is therefore common on sports cars. This design was pioneered in the 1950 Lancia Aurelia, and was conceived by the legendary Vittorio Jano. Earlier vehicles had used similar designs, including the 1914 Stutz Bearcat.
Notable FR vehicles with a transaxle design include:
- 1914-1939 Stutz Bearcat
- 1950-1958 Lancia Aurelia
- 1961-1963 Pontiac Tempest
- 1964-1968 Ferrari 275
- 1968-1973 Ferrari Daytona
- 1976-1988 Porsche 924
- 1978-1995 Porsche 928
- 1982-1991 Porsche 944
- 1992-1995 Porsche 968
- 1972-1986 Alfa Romeo 116-series (Alfa Romeo Alfetta)
- 1984-1987 Alfa Romeo 90
- 1976-1991 Volvo 300 series
- 1985-1992 Alfa Romeo 75 (and predecessor, the 116-series Alfa Romeo Giulietta)
- 1989-1991 Alfa Romeo SZ
- 1992-2003 Ferrari 456
- 1996-2005 Ferrari 550/575M
- 1997-up Chevrolet Corvette
- 2003-up Aston Martin DB9
- 2004-2005 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
- 2004-up Cadillac XLR
- 2004-up Maserati Quattroporte
- 2005-up Aston Martin V8 Vantage