Final answer:
Front-wheel-drive vehicles have transaxles, which emerge as a key component combining the transmission and differential. Improvements in transmission technologies contribute to better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Front-wheel-drive vehicles have transaxles. This is because a transaxle combines the functions of the transmission, differential, and associated components into a single unit that is typically located in the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels. This differs from the traditional layout where the engine and transmission are separate from the differential and drive shafts.
Transmission technologies such as 7+ speeds, dual clutch transmissions (DCTs), and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) are crucial for improving fuel economy and reducing CO₂ emissions, making vehicles more sustainable and efficient. The development of advanced drive mechanisms is part of ongoing research and evolution in vehicle engineering.