I think I lost a couple of neurons reading this

There's lots of reasons for it.
Better weight distribution, less total weight (no long driveshaft), the cool factor.
Also, not just Italians...
Porsche 911s, Caymans and Boxters, Lotuses, the Toyota mr2, mclarens...
The 1960s vw beetle...
Technically the single motor Tesla's also are "MR" layout (mid-engine, rear drive)

and the best reason...the engine is riiiiight next to your ears, so all the glorious sound is. Right. There.

I'd call that a subset of the "cool factor" reason, but yes. Particularly when you have a nice Italian v12...

the v10 is the best sounding engine.
if you want a video explaining why: paste after youtube
/watch?v=qtHSKLIIarM

I'll have to watch that, but until I do, a good flat plane v8 is pretty glorious...

Of course. to me its very close between those two.