To get mid-engine while preserving rear seat practicality.
Have cars like this ever been produced?

I guess a long a slender engine would be better (like an inline 6), altough you can also fit a wide V-8 in a wide enough car with small enough rear seats. Humvee style.

Many luxury cars like Rolls Royce, Maybach have high center consoles so there´s enough space for an engine there.