“…The need to comply with the more and more stringent regulations in terms of CO 2 and pollutant emissions is pushing the automotive industry to develop innovative technologies. Recent trends which may produce the highest benefits include engine downsizing [1], alternative fuels (such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and biofuels) [2], innovative combustion concepts such as Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) and Premixed Charge Compression Ignition (PCCI) [3], advanced high-pressure common rail systems [4,5], innovative combustion controls [6][7][8], innovative after-treatment system (ATS) technologies [9], kinetic and thermal energy recovery [10], vehicle road load reduction [11], powertrain electrification [12], and vehicle connectivity (V2X technologies) [13]. In particular, in ref.…”