Side view picture of standard Fisker Karma, modified as it would be if applying Parallel Architecture to its design. Powertrain layout is "taken" from a Mercedes SLS modified to be a inline 4 engine, as it has the engine closer to the center of the car than in the case of Fisker´s. Main benefits of Parallel Architecture in this case would be improved aerodynamics, habitability and driver´s visibility.
Parallel Architecture is defined because the engine is placed inside the central dashboard, in Parallel with the driver´s legs. In order to fit into this narrow space, the engine has to be inline, placed longitudinally in the car, and with all its auxiliary elements placed in series with the engine. In the top central dashboard, there is an access to the cylinder heads area when needed, but all typical maintenance work in the engine is done from the bonnet, as in normal cars.
