The AI answer was actually surprisingly good
In terms of cylinder count and architecture, your assessment is partially correct:
V12 = 2x Inline-6 (True): A V12 engine is physically and mechanically comparable to two
inline-six (I6) engines joined at a common crankshaft. Because an I6 has perfect primary and secondary balance, a V12 effectively doubles this, resulting in an exceptionally smooth engine that does not require balance shafts.
V12 = 3x Inline-4 (False): While the cylinder math matches (3 x 4 = 12), a V12 is almost never described or engineered as three joined inline-four engines. Inline-four engines are not inherently balanced; they suffer from secondary vibrations that require heavy counterweights or balance shafts. Joining three of them would not yield the natural, vibration-free operation for which the V12 is famous.
