Traction Avant (influence on design)

Traction Avant, meaning "front-wheel drive" in French, was a groundbreaking automotive design introduced by Citroën in the 1930s. It shifted the engine and drivetrain to power the front wheels, which improved stability, handling, and safety. This design lowered the vehicle's center of gravity, reduced body roll, and allowed for a more spacious interior due to the absence of a long driveshaft tunnel. The Traction Avant also influenced future car designs by emphasizing unibody construction (integrating the body and frame), making vehicles more lightweight and maneuverable. Its innovations set new standards for modern automotive engineering and influenced many future front-wheel-drive models.