Abstract: An internal combustion engine 1 at a standstill of a vehicle after cold starting can switch its combustion mode to a homogenous combustion mode or a stratified combustion mode. An operation range of the stratified combustion at the standstill of the vehicle after cold starting is expanded relative to an operation range of the homogenous combustion at the standstill of the vehicle after cold starting as an inclination of the vehicle decreases. With this technique, the operation range of the stratified combustion can be expanded while assuring an intake air negative pressure required for achieving the brake performance, so that HC reduction at the standstill of the vehicle after cold starting is obtained.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine 1 at a standstill of a vehicle after cold starting can switch its combustion mode to a homogenous combustion mode or a stratified combustion mode. An operation range of the stratified combustion at the standstill of the vehicle after cold starting is expanded relative to an operation range of the homogenous combustion at the standstill of the vehicle after cold starting as an inclination of the vehicle decreases. With this technique, the operation range of the stratified combustion can be expanded while assuring an intake air negative pressure required for achieving the brake performance, so that HC reduction at the standstill of the vehicle after cold starting is obtained.

Abstract: Front wheel suspension arms of a four wheel drive vehicle are supported by suspension members comprising a cross-member and front/back members formed at the ends of the cross-member. A transfer for distributing engine drive torque to the rear wheels is disposed underneath the cross-member. A stabilizer joining the left and right suspension arms is disposed such that it horizontally passes under the transfer at the front of the cross-member. Since the stabilizer is not disposed at the rear of or above the cross-member where it would tend to interfere with the vehicle body, the cross-sectional area of the cross-member may easily be made sufficiently large. Also, by positioning the stabilizer at the front of the cross-member, the length of the arms at both ends of the stabilizer can be made shorter, and desirable roll stability characteristics are obtained.