In rear-wheel drive vehicles, what component is turned by the engine?

In rear-wheel drive vehicles, the component that is turned by the engine is the transmission. The transmission is responsible for transferring the engine's power to the drive shaft, which subsequently drives the rear wheels. This process involves converting the engine's mechanical energy into the appropriate form to rotate the wheels efficiently based on the vehicle's speed and load conditions.

The transmission works in conjunction with the engine by taking the rotational force produced and allowing the vehicle to move forward or backward depending on the selected gear. It also helps in modulating the power to ensure smooth acceleration and deceleration.

Understanding the role of the transmission is critical in the context of vehicle dynamics and performance, especially in rear-wheel drive systems, where the weight distribution and drivetrain layout significantly impact handling and driving characteristics.