Engine configurations — the three basic cylinder arrangements in automobiles Among common automotive engine layouts, which trio best represents the fundamental cylinder arrangements used by manufacturers?

Introduction / Context:
Automotive engines are categorised by cylinder arrangement, which influences packaging, vibration, and manufacturing cost. Three basic architectures dominate modern vehicles.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Passenger and light commercial vehicles.
• Focus on architecture, not specific cylinder counts.
• Opposed layout is also called flat or boxer.

Concept / Approach:
The mainstream arrangements are: in line (all cylinders in one bank), V (two banks sharing a common crankshaft), and opposed/flat (two horizontal banks opposed by 180 degrees). Radial and double-row radial are aircraft-centric and uncommon in automobiles.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the three automotive staples: in line, V, opposed.Map synonyms: opposed equals flat/boxer.Select the option listing these three together.

Verification / Alternative check:
Manufacturer lineups show inline-3/4/6, V-6/V-8, and boxer-4/6 as standard offerings across decades.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Flat, radial, and V: radial is not a standard automotive engine layout.
• In a row, in line, and opposed: “in a row” duplicates “in line.”
• V, double row, and opposed: “double row” is not a standard automotive term; suggests radial.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating opposed with radial; radial has cylinders arranged like spokes around a crank, not two banks.

Final Answer:
in line, V, and opposed