Abstract: An engine room structure of an automotive vehicle is provided with a power transmission unit consisting of, for example, a transfer, between a pair of left-hand and right-hand front side frames, a front axle extending outside from the power transmission unit in the transverse direction of the vehicle body. The steering rack functioning as an element of the front-wheel steering mechanism is so disposed within the engine room as to extend in the transverse direction of the vehicle body and as to lie in the position underneath the spower transmission unit. In other words, the power transmission unit is disposed in the position above the steering rack. This arrangement for the power transmission unit and the steering rack can provide a space between them, thereby lowering the positions of the front side frames.

Abstract: A dual type exhaust system is used in an automobile having an internal combustion engine with transversely mounted front and rear rows of cylinders. Two exhaust pipe assemblies extend from the front and rear rows of cylinders, respectively, toward the back of the car body. The two assemblies are arranged side by side in a space formed in a floor panel. The exhaust pipe assemblies are, respectively, provided with catalytic converters offset in a lengthwise direction of the car body with respect to the space relative to each other so as to be arranged in a straight line in the space.