Articulated vehicle layout:

1. This layout is used for very heavy commercial vehicles like semi-trailers or tractor-trailer combinations.
2. The typical load carrying capacity of such vehicles is 25 tons or more.
3. Such vehicles have heavy duty diesel engine, usually fitted at the front.
4. Tractor part of vehicle is of 4 or 6 wheeled vehicles. Trailer usually consists of freely driven unpowered 4 or 6 or 8 wheeled bogey.
5. Special coupling is used to attach tractor with trailer.
6. Length of these vehicles is limited as per the prevailing safety laws of each nation. In India, the maximum permissible length of such vehicles is 15 meters. A schematic diagram shown in figure below.

Advantages and limitation of Articulated vehicle layout

Advantages:

1. Heavy load carrying capacity.
2. Better maneuverability, i.e. easy of steering and control on straight as well as curved paths.
3. Ease of disengagement of tractor compartment and connection to another preloaded trailer, thereby reduced loading and unloading time.
4. Less cost of transport per unit ton of material handled per kilometer.

Limitations:

1. Articulated vehicles are not suitable on roads with sharp turns or especially in those sections with less radius of curvature.
2. GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) is higher, thereby wasting more fuel in driving empty vehicle itself.
3. Longer lengths are not permitted as per prevailing country specific laws.
4. Such vehicles can become bottlenecks on roads with curved paths.
5. Accidents or skidding of such vehicles leads to damage other vehicles in the vicinity, thereby leading to more loss of life and property.

Understanding Vehicle Layout: 

When it comes to designing and building a vehicle, one of the most important considerations is its layout. Vehicle layout refers to the arrangement of key components like the engine, transmission, drive system, and axles within the vehicle’s structure. The layout affects the car’s handling, performance, safety, and overall driving experience. Understanding the various vehicle layouts can help you better appreciate the engineering decisions behind the design of every vehicle, from compact cars to high-performance sports models.

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of vehicle layouts, their advantages, and how they impact the vehicle’s overall functionality.

What is Vehicle Layout?

Vehicle layout refers to the specific arrangement of an automobile’s major mechanical components. The layout of a vehicle determines how power is delivered to the wheels and affects the distribution of weight, traction, handling, and overall driving dynamics. The key components involved in vehicle layout include:

• Engine: The source of power for the vehicle.

• Transmission: Transfers power from the engine to the wheels.

• Drive System: Distributes power to the wheels.

• Axles: Connects the wheels to the vehicle’s drivetrain.

The vehicle’s layout influences both its performance and the driver’s experience. Different layouts serve specific purposes and can be optimized for various types of vehicles, such as sports cars, family sedans, off-road trucks, or electric vehicles.

Common Types of Vehicle Layouts

There are several types of vehicle layouts, each offering distinct advantages in terms of performance, handling, and design. Below, we’ll explore the most common layouts used in the automotive industry:

1. Front-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive (FR)

One of the most traditional and widely used layouts is the Front-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive (FR) configuration. In this layout, the engine is located at the front of the vehicle, and it powers the rear wheels. This configuration is often found in sports cars, luxury sedans, and performance-oriented vehicles.

Advantages:

• Better Handling Balance: Since the engine is placed at the front and the drive is at the rear, the weight distribution is more balanced. This setup improves handling, especially during acceleration and cornering.

• Enhanced Driving Experience: Rear-wheel drive vehicles provide more driving engagement, making them preferred by enthusiasts and high-performance vehicle designers.

• Ideal for Power Distribution: Rear-wheel drive is perfect for transferring power from a high-performance engine to the wheels, making it a favored layout in sports cars.

Disadvantages:

• Space Efficiency: The front engine and rear-wheel drive layout can take up more space and may limit rear-seat legroom, especially in compact vehicles.

2. Front-Engine, Front-Wheel Drive (FF)

In the Front-Engine, Front-Wheel Drive (FF) layout, the engine is located at the front, and the front wheels are responsible for both driving the vehicle and steering. This layout is commonly seen in compact cars, hatchbacks, and economy sedans.

Advantages:

• Space Efficiency: With the engine and drive system located in the front, this layout allows for more interior space, especially in the rear cabin and trunk areas. This makes it ideal for smaller, budget-friendly cars.

• Better Traction in Wet Conditions: Front-wheel drive provides better traction in slippery conditions, such as rain or snow, because the engine weight is over the front wheels.

• Cost-Effective: The FF layout is simpler and cheaper to manufacture, making it a popular choice for mass-market vehicles.

Disadvantages:

• Handling Limitations: Front-wheel drive vehicles tend to understeer, which means they may lose traction when cornering at high speeds. This can limit the performance in sportier vehicles.

• Engine Performance: Front-wheel drive systems generally don’t handle high-powered engines as effectively as rear-wheel drive systems, which is why they are often found in less powerful cars.

3. Rear-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive (RR)

In the Rear-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive (RR) layout, the engine is placed at the rear of the vehicle, and it powers the rear wheels. This configuration is most famously used in the Porsche 911 and some classic Volkswagen Beetles.

Advantages:

• Improved Traction: With the engine positioned over the rear wheels, this layout offers excellent traction, especially on slippery or uneven surfaces.

• Space Efficiency: By placing the engine at the rear, manufacturers can make better use of the front cabin space, allowing for a smaller or more compact design.

• High-Performance Handling: This setup can offer a unique driving experience, providing excellent acceleration and handling dynamics, especially in sports cars.

Disadvantages:

• Stability Issues: The rear-engine layout can lead to a tendency for the vehicle to oversteer or become unstable during fast cornering, making it more challenging to handle for some drivers.

4. Mid-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive (MR)

The Mid-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive (MR) layout places the engine in the middle of the vehicle, between the front and rear axles, and the rear wheels are responsible for propulsion. This layout is commonly used in high-performance and sports cars, such as the Ferrari 488 and the Chevrolet Corvette.

Advantages:

• Perfect Weight Distribution: Placing the engine in the middle of the vehicle helps achieve a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, which is crucial for optimal handling, cornering, and stability.

• Superior Performance: The MR layout allows for exceptional performance characteristics, especially in handling, making it ideal for high-speed sports cars and racing applications.

Disadvantages:

• Costly Manufacturing: The mid-engine layout is more expensive to design and produce due to the complexity of the setup. It is typically found in high-end, performance vehicles.

• Interior Space: With the engine located in the middle, there is limited space for passenger and cargo accommodations.

5. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

Both All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) layouts deliver power to all four wheels of the vehicle. AWD systems are commonly used in sedans, crossovers, and performance vehicles, while 4WD systems are more common in trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles.

Advantages:

• Superior Traction: AWD and 4WD provide improved traction, particularly in off-road conditions or inclement weather like snow, rain, or mud.

• Stability: With power distributed to all wheels, these systems enhance stability and handling, making them ideal for off-roading and heavy-duty vehicles.

Disadvantages:

• Weight and Complexity: AWD and 4WD systems tend to add weight and mechanical complexity to the vehicle, which can reduce fuel efficiency and increase maintenance costs.