baklenker

Baklenker is a term that refers to a specific type of engine configuration in some historical and niche automotive applications. It denotes an engine where the crankshaft rotates in the opposite direction to what is typically considered standard for a given vehicle's drivetrain. This means that if a conventional engine turns its crankshaft in one direction to drive the wheels forward, a baklenker engine would turn its crankshaft in the other direction for the same forward motion.

The concept of a baklenker engine is not common in mass-produced vehicles. It is most frequently associated with certain early racing cars and some experimental designs. The primary reason for its use in these contexts was often to optimize the placement of components or to achieve specific handling characteristics. For instance, in some older rear-engine designs, a baklenker arrangement could allow for a more compact engine bay or a different weight distribution.

The implementation of a baklenker system typically requires a modification to the transmission or the final drive. This allows the reverse rotation of the crankshaft to still result in forward propulsion for the vehicle. While technically feasible, the added complexity and cost of such a system have generally made it impractical for everyday automobiles, which benefit from standardized parts and simpler manufacturing processes. Therefore, baklenker engines remain a specialized or historical curiosity rather than a mainstream automotive technology.