This allowed greater freedom in the design of the suspension and while moving engine weight forward.
It approaches 1 horsepower per pound of engine weight!
The additional engine weight up front changes the car's balance and makes the W8 less nimble than one might expect a midsize car to be.
The forward location of the crew may balance the engine weight and will help determine the CG.
Also, the engine weight is more evenly carried by all the wheels with this layout.
However, more cylinders also mean more moving parts; these can result in greater overall engine weight and reduced reliability.
They use the fact of the engine weight and aerodynamics to support their case.
With modern high-temperature metals for the main structure, engine weight can be kept extremely low.
The 305 V8 engine received an aluminum intake manifold which reduced engine weight by 35 pounds.
Once on the water, the large gas tanks could provide flotation, and a saw was carried to drop the dead engine weight if needed.