LONGITUDINAL

=> refers to the position of the engine (and sometimes the transmission) in a motor vehicle. It is said to be longitudinal because it is oriented in the same direction as the car, that is, parallel to its length. This powertrain assembly may be attached or separated; this does not change its orientation within the car.

Conversely, an engine alone can have a transversal position (in our common city vehicles) while the gearbox remains in a longitudinal position, being at the front of the car.