Transverse engine facts for kids
A transverse engine is an engine mounted inside a vehicle so its main spinning part, called the crankshaft, sits at a 90-degree angle to the way the vehicle moves. Think of it like the engine is sitting across the car, not along its length.
Many modern cars that have front wheel drive use this type of engine setup. This means the engine powers the front wheels. Most cars with rear wheel drive (where the engine powers the back wheels) use a longitudinal engine. A longitudinal engine is placed so its crankshaft is parallel to the vehicle's movement, running from front to back.
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How Transverse Engines Started
The very first car known to use a transverse engine was built in 1911. It was a front-wheel drive car. It had a special clutch at each end of the engine, which directly powered the front wheels.
The first truly successful cars with transverse engines were the two-cylinder DKW "Front" series. These cars first appeared in 1931. After World War II, the car company SAAB also used this design in their first car model, the Saab 92, which came out in 1947.
Where Transverse Engines Are Placed
Transverse engines can be placed in a car in two main spots:
- Front-mounted: This is when the engine is in the front of the car. This setup is usually found in vehicles with front-wheel drive.
- Rear or mid-mounted: Sometimes, the engine is placed in the middle or at the back of the car. This setup is typically used for vehicles with rear-wheel drive.
Images for kids
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Transversely mounted engine in Toyota Corolla E80
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Transversely mounted engine in Mini Cooper
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The engine in this Moto Guzzi motorcycle is described as "transverse" even though its crankshaft is in line with the frame.
See also
In Spanish: Motor transversal para niños
