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FM layout
The FM layout, standing for front-midships, is a layout of an automobile that places the engine in the front, like the FR layout, but pushed back enough that the engine's center of gravity is to the rear of the front axle. This aids in weight distribution and reduces the moment of inertia, helping handling. Technically FM is a smaller sub-catgeory of FR, since the engine is still in the front third of the car, and FM cars still have rear wheel drivetrains.
FM cars are often recognizeable by an extensively long hood and front wheels unusually close to the front bumper of the car. Grand tourers usually have FM layouts, as a rear engine would not leave much space for the rear seats.
Typical cars with FM layouts are Aston Martin Vanquish and Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005), Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper, Honda S2000, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, Maserati Quattroporte, Mazda RX-7 and RX-8, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, BMW Z4, Nissan 350Z, Porsche 928, 944, and 968.
