[ak217]

I agree with you. I should have clarified - 4 motors in the arrangement envisioned by Honda (see the link above) is more complex than 2. It doesn't eliminate any of the driveshafts.

I don't think we'll see in-wheel motors any time soon for the reasons you and I mentioned. (Also, in high performance applications (anything but econoboxes) won't you need to strengthen the suspension/chassis in some places even as you get to lighten it in others, since the motor is now torquing the rest of your suspension?)