Doctor Drivel ) gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying :

In your worst case scenario, a crock of a polluting space consuming
engine and gearbox is removed, creating a better designed car for
aerodynamics, and interior space, saving energy again.

No, because you STILL need to consider impact protection.

That is designed in. You appear to think only an engine at the front
protects you. This is very wrong.

Obviously you don't need an engine at the front - because otherwise
anything mid- or rear-engined would not get through.

But you DO need deformable crushzones in the way, which take up space. Find
me anything on the market today that doesn't have space in front of the
driver.

You Still Need Something There.

That's what dictates packaging as much as anything, not the space required
for the mechanicals. Look under the bonnet of any modern small hatch -
plenty of fresh air, allowing space for the structure to deform.