Homogeneously charged spark ignition (SI) engines are unable to stabilise the combustion in ultra lean mixtures, therefore they operate with a near stoichiometric air-fuel ratio (AFR) at all load points. This produces high engine out NOx and CO emissions with a compromise on fuel consumption. Moreover, stoichiometric operation is needed for effective operation of a three way catalyst, which is not adequate to meet future fuel consumption targets. (For complete abstract open document)