This five part paper discusses in detail the development of a car -- a new breed -- The Toronado. The desire to create a better automobile, one from which both driver and passenger would receive maximum benefit, prompted the original concept.
The exploratory design study, undertaken by many Oldsmobile departments, was unfettered by commitment to traditional arrangement. This led to the development of a vehicle employing front wheel drive with all the power components designed into a single unit forward of the passenger compartment.
Among the advantages of the unitized powerplant approach are maximum passenger space, a nearly vibration-free ride, and exceptional directional stability.