Abstract: A corona igniter (20) comprises a central electrode (22) surrounded by an insulator (26), which is surrounded by a conductive component. The conductive component includes a shell (34) and an intermediate part (36) both formed of an electrically conductive material. The intermediate part (36) is typically attached to a lower ledge (52) of the insulator outer surface (50) prior to inserting the insulator (26) into the shell (34). The shell firing end (56) is typically aligned with the lower edge and the intermediate firing end. The conductive inner diameter (Dg) is less than an insulator outer diameter (Dio) directly below the lower ledge (52) such the insulator thickness (ti) increases toward the electrode firing end (40).

Abstract: At the time of an engine start while the vehicle is driving, when a required vehicle driving force (TRQ) is smaller than or equal to a predetermined value (TRQth), an electronic control unit (20) estimates that the degree of deformation of a mount (11) is smaller than or equal to a predetermined degree and sets a second-cycle fuel injection amount (Q2) so as to be larger than a first-cycle fuel injection amount (Q1) at the time of the engine start. On the other hand, when the required vehicle driving force (TRQ) is larger than the predetermined value (TRQth), the electronic control unit (20) estimates that the degree of deformation of the mount (11) is larger than the predetermined degree and sets the first-cycle fuel injection amount (Q1) so as to be larger than the second-cycle fuel injection amount (Q2) at the time of the engine start.