Once exposed at the front, you can see just how big this engine is. It looks big when you open the hood, but way bigger like this.
Accessing the front of the engine in this manner also provides the opportunity to thoroughly clean off all accumulated oil and grime, which will prolong the life of the front crankshaft seal, timing cover seal, and all of the plastic, rubber and silicone stuff in all of those nooks and crannies.