The way engine cylinders are arranged is called engine configuration. In-line engines have the cylinders in a line. This design creates a simply cast engine block. In vehicle applications, the number of cylinders is normally from 2 up to 6. Usually, the cylinders are vertical. As the number of the cylinders increase, the length of the block and crankshaft can become a problem. One way to avoid this is with a V configuration. This design makes the engines block and crankshaft shorter and more rigid. 发动机的布置即发动机气缸的排列方式。 发动机缸体按直线排列的即直列式，这种布置使 得发动机缸体结构简单。汽车发动机一般为 2~6 缸，通常气缸是垂直放置的，但气缸数量的 增加会导致缸体和曲轴的长度过大，解决问题的措施之一就是采用 V 型布置，这种布置方 式可以使发动机缸体和曲轴长度尺寸更短，从而大大增加刚度。
汽车工程专业英语
罗永革版（原文与翻译） today's average car contains more than 15000 separate,individual parts that must work together.these parts can be grouped into four major categories:body,engine,chassis and electrical system. 现在的汽车一般都由 15000 多个分散、独立且相互配合的零部件组成。这些零部件只要分为 四类：车身、发动机、底盘和电气设备。 an automobile body is a sheet metal shell with windows,a hood and a trunk deck built into it.it provides a protective covering for the engine,passengers and cargo.the body is designed to keep passengers safe and comfortable.the body styling provides an attractive,colorful modern appearance for the vehicle. 轿车车身是一个钣金件壳体，它上面有车窗、车门、发动机罩和行李舱门等部件，它给发动 机、乘客和行李提供防护。车身设计是为了确保乘客乘坐的安全和舒适。车身造型设计使得 汽车有一个华美、现代、吸引人的外观。
