anyone know what that lump in the middle of the rear foot area is? i always thought front wheel drive cars didn't have that, or at least is was a heluva lot smaller. just curious.

 

no idea...

 

It is most likely for rigidity. The hump will make the car a lot stonger than a flat floor.

 

I haven't looked under the Max yet, but my other FWD cars used it as an exhaust channel to hid the pipes in. Guess it made for better aerodynamics. Also, it does tend to strengthen the compartment.

Then there's always the "real" reason - because it's always been done that way.