Transaxle
A transaxle, in the automotive field, is a component that combines the functionality of the transmission, the differential and the drive axle into a single unit. Transaxles are near universal in all automobile configurations that have the engine placed at the same end of the car as the driven wheels: the front-wheel drive, rear wheel drive and mid-engined arrangements. Front engine, rear wheel drive vehicles tend to have the transmission up front just after the engine, but sometimes a front engine drives a rear-mounted transaxle. This is generally done for reasons of weight distribution, and is therefore common on sports cars of this layout.
