Volkswagen EA 272, 1972
As a replacement for the rear-engined 1600 (Type 3), Volkswagen designed the EA 272 front-wheel drive concept in the early 1970s, in which the engine was positioned transversely between the front wheels to save space.
In favour of rationalised production within the Volkswagen Group, it was ultimately decided to adopt the Audi 80 concept designed by Giorgio Giugiaro: The Passat based on this came in 1973 with a longitudinally arranged engine.