audi engine location (all wheel drive, engines, axle, Renault)

[topher5150]

For as long as I can remember car manufacturers were trying to put the engine as far behind the front axle as possible for weight distribution. Except for Audi, their engine sits in front of the axle. Any idea why

[bytrnsd]

The short answer is to accommodate the Quattro all wheel drive system.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by topher5150

For as long as I can remember car manufacturers were trying to put the engine as far behind the front axle as possible for weight distribution. Except for Audi, their engine sits in front of the axle. Any idea why

AWD packaging.

[sunsprit]

Renault placed their R-12 engines ahead of the Front Axle, too. IIRC, this predated the Audi layout.