What are the advantages of a Flat-6 configuration that makes it attractive to Porsche? Is it simply the flat 6's compact nature that allows it to fit in the rear of the car and maintain that tradition? Or is there some performance advantage to the engine by having the cylinders opposed? Interested to know if anyone has the history of how it came to be, and why that engine configuration remains the one of choice. Thanks.

 

Lower center of gravity
Very balanced motor with horizontally opposed (180 degree) angle

That's all I know!

 

Same as Don said... those are the only reasons I have heard about too. However, I do wonder if there was some sort of cooling benefit for the air/oil cooled engines.