Everything I've seen indicates that the car stopped when the engine block was penetrated.
I believe I want to see the front/inside of the engine compartment.
If shots came in from one side...they'd all be dead...or at least everyone in the front seat.
Yes--or at least you'd expect everyone in the line of fire to be wounded from the same direction.
How did you reach your conclusion about the car stopping when the engine block was penetrated?