Why do so many FWD-only cars still have an interior central tunnel?

Started by cawimmer430, June 07, 2011, 05:08:59 PM

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cawimmer430

June 07, 2011, 05:08:59 PM
One of the main advantages of FWD is creating more interior space at the back due to the lack of a drive-shaft powering the rear wheels.

So on my daily morning walks to school, I pass by a bunch of parked cars the vast majority of which are FWD. I have a habit of walking past them and glancing inside as I walk by. I've noticed that many of these cars still have a raised central tunnel inside. Now I am aware that there are AWD models of certain VW Golfs and Audis so that explains why these cars have one - but what about cars like the Kia Picanto, Hyundai Getz, VW Fox, Peugeot 106 or other purely FWD cars? They still have a raised central tunnel inside, albeit much smaller than that of a RWD car (the one in my 118i is HUGE and space consuming for example).

WHY!? I'm trying to figure it out and it is driving me crazy.  :tounge:
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Eye of the Tiger

#1
June 07, 2011, 05:09:44 PM
Exhausts.
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SVT666

#2
June 07, 2011, 05:11:17 PM

cawimmer430

#3
June 07, 2011, 05:11:33 PM
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on June 07, 2011, 05:09:44 PM
Exhausts.

Good answer.

Still makes me wonder why these central tunnels need to be so "large" because of an exhaust, which can definitely be fitted unto the underside of a car without having to intrude in the interior in terms of space.
-2018 Mercedes-Benz A250 AMG Line (W177)



WIMMER FOTOGRAFIE - Professional Automotive Photography based in Munich, Germany
www.wimmerfotografie.de
www.facebook.com/wimmerfotografie

shp4man

#4
June 07, 2011, 05:24:15 PM
The humble air cooled rear engined VW has a tunnel in the floorboard. It houses the fuel lines, brake lines, clutch cable and shift rod. But it's mostly there as a structural member and is a main component of the "frame".
Dr. Porsche was a pretty smart guy.  :lol:

2o6

#5
June 07, 2011, 05:31:55 PM
Quote from: cawimmer430 on June 07, 2011, 05:08:59 PM
One of the main advantages of FWD is creating more interior space at the back due to the lack of a drive-shaft powering the rear wheels.

So on my daily morning walks to school, I pass by a bunch of parked cars the vast majority of which are FWD. I have a habit of walking past them and glancing inside as I walk by. I've noticed that many of these cars still have a raised central tunnel inside. Now I am aware that there are AWD models of certain VW Golfs and Audis so that explains why these cars have one - but what about cars like the Kia Picanto, Hyundai Getz, VW Fox, Peugeot 106 or other purely FWD cars? They still have a raised central tunnel inside, albeit much smaller than that of a RWD car (the one in my 118i is HUGE and space consuming for example).

WHY!? I'm trying to figure it out and it is driving me crazy.  :tounge:

Exhaust and structural rigidity.


Most flat floor FWD cars typically have a false-floor, IIRC.

Madman

#6
June 07, 2011, 05:34:44 PM
Quote from: shp4man on June 07, 2011, 05:24:15 PM
The humble air cooled rear engined VW has a tunnel in the floorboard. It houses the fuel lines, brake lines, clutch cable and shift rod. But it's mostly there as a structural member and is a main component of the "frame".
Dr. Porsche was a pretty smart guy.  :lol:


So was Hans Ledwinka, inventor of the central tubular chassis.  He's the man Dr. Porsche was "inspired" by and/or stolen from, depending on your point of veiw.
Current cars: 2015 Ford Escape SE, 2011 MINI Cooper

Formerly owned cars: 2010 Mazda 5 Sport, 2008 Audi A4 2.0T S-Line Sedan, 2003 Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T wagon, 1998 Ford Escort SE sedan, 2001 Cadillac Catera, 2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS 2.0 5-Door, 1997 Honda Odyssey LX, 1991 Volvo 240 sedan, 1990 Volvo 740 Turbo sedan, 1987 Volvo 240 DL sedan, 1990 Peugeot 405 DL Sportswagon, 1985 Peugeot 505 Turbo sedan, 1985 Merkur XR4Ti, 1983 Renault R9 Alliance DL sedan, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice Classic wagon, 1975 Volkswagen Transporter, 1980 Fiat X-1/9 Bertone, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit C 3-Door hatch, 1976 Ford Pinto V6 coupe, 1952 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe sedan

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shp4man

#7
June 07, 2011, 05:41:15 PM
Quote from: Madman on June 07, 2011, 05:34:44 PM

So was Hans Ledwinka, inventor of the central tubular chassis.  He's the man Dr. Porsche was "inspired" by and/or stolen from, depending on your point of veiw.


I Wikipediaed the guy- Interesting stuff! I wasn't aware of that at all.
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