Various embodiments include a method for controlling a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine with a crankshaft and a drivetrain separable from the internal combustion engine using a releasable clutch comprising: propelling the vehicle in a first operating state in a predetermined range around a speed while the internal combustion engine is off and is separated from the drivetrain by the releasable clutch; sensing a braking operation while in the first operating state; predicting whether a power demand is expected within a predetermined time interval; and, if the power demand is expected, setting the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine in rotation, or increasing a rotational speed of the crankshaft in preparation for an engine restart.

To suppress a failure of ignition of a fuel caused by a spark plug while suppressing wear of an electrode of the spark plug in an internal combustion engine. A control device 1 for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition control unit that controls energization of an ignition coil 300 that applies electric energy to a spark plug 200 that discharges in a cylinder 150 of an internal combustion engine 100 to ignite a fuel. The ignition control unit continuously transmits a first pulse signal (pulse signal for corona discharge) to an igniter connected to the ignition coil 300 before dielectric breakdown between electrodes of the spark plug 200, and continuously transmits a second pulse signal (pulse signal for arc discharge) to the igniter after the dielectric breakdown between the electrodes of the spark plug 200 to control the energization of the ignition coil 300. At this time, a period of the pulse signal for corona discharge is shorter than a period of the pulse signal for arc discharge.

To suppress a failure of ignition of a fuel caused by a spark plug while suppressing wear of an electrode of the spark plug in an internal combustion engine. A control device 1 for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition control unit that controls energization of an ignition coil 300 that applies electric energy to a spark plug 200 that discharges in a cylinder 150 of an internal combustion engine 100 to ignite a fuel. The ignition control unit continuously transmits a first pulse signal (pulse signal for corona discharge) to an igniter connected to the ignition coil 300 before dielectric breakdown between electrodes of the spark plug 200, and continuously transmits a second pulse signal (pulse signal for arc discharge) to the igniter after the dielectric breakdown between the electrodes of the spark plug 200 to control the energization of the ignition coil 300. At this time, a period of the pulse signal for corona discharge is shorter than a period of the pulse signal for arc discharge.

Systems and methods for controlling a gasoline urea selective catalytic reductant catalyst are described. In one example, an observer is provided that corrects an estimate of an amount of NH.sub.3 that is stored in a SCR. The amount of NH.sub.3 that is stored in the SCR is a basis for generating additional NH.sub.3 or ceasing generation of NH.sub.3.

Systems and methods for controlling a gasoline urea selective catalytic reductant catalyst are described. In one example, an observer is provided that corrects an estimate of an amount of NH.sub.3 that is stored in a SCR. The amount of NH.sub.3 that is stored in the SCR is a basis for generating additional NH.sub.3 or ceasing generation of NH.sub.3.

A system and method for a variable displacement internal combustion engine using different types of pneumatic cylinder springs on skipped working cycles to control engine and aftertreatment system temperatures are described. The system and method may be used to rapidly heat up the aftertreatment system(s) and/or an engine block of the engine following a cold start by using one or more different types of pneumatic cylinder springs during skipped firing opportunities. By rapidly heating the aftertreatment system(s) and/or engine block, noxious emissions such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, NO.sub.x and/or particulates, following cold starts are significantly reduced.

A system and method for a variable displacement internal combustion engine using different types of pneumatic cylinder springs on skipped working cycles to control engine and aftertreatment system temperatures are described. The system and method may be used to rapidly heat up the aftertreatment system(s) and/or an engine block of the engine following a cold start by using one or more different types of pneumatic cylinder springs during skipped firing opportunities. By rapidly heating the aftertreatment system(s) and/or engine block, noxious emissions such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, NO.sub.x and/or particulates, following cold starts are significantly reduced.

An internal combustion engine is operated at fuel-rich conditions by adjusting one or more operating parameters such as, for example, a throttle, an ignition timing, a load coupled to the engine, a fuel pressure, power to a supercharger, and power to a preheater to maintain a specified engine speed and a temperature of an exhaust gas. Operating the engine under these conditions allows the engine to function as a reformer producing a synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Systems and methods determining a presence or absence of engine misfire at low engine load are disclosed. In one example, the presence or absence of engine misfire is based on a fuel target error value and an exhaust temperature error. Operation of an engine may be adjusted when engine misfire is detected.

Systems and methods determining a presence or absence of engine misfire at low engine load are disclosed. In one example, the presence or absence of engine misfire is based on a fuel target error value and an exhaust temperature error. Operation of an engine may be adjusted when engine misfire is detected.