I know it could be done. I would like to see a mid-ship engine in an HHR. Like the Corvair conversion. It would be nice to see a V8 but the power of the 4 cylinder engines today would work just fine.

 

Like, Eco-Underglass?

 

Yeah, you got it.
Or maybe use a VW/Porsche engine and trans axil.

 

Heck. Just go all the way.
Stick in an Olds Toronado 455 w/transaxle. You could do 1/4 mile wheelstands like the old Hemi Under Glass car.

 

The rear seat would have to be eliminated..........

The Audi built 1.8T liter turbocharged engines which were installed in Volkswagen Passats are little powerhouses. Longitudinally mounted onto the (fwd) transaxle would work pretty good. Or better yet, for more power, the Audi built 2.8 liter v6 engine installed in the same Volkswagen Passats for more torque.

 

Now your thinking