A compression-ignition “split-cycle” engine (100) having: a cylinder block with an expansion cylinder having an expansion piston that moves alternatively between a top dead center (ETDC) and a bottom dead center (EBDC) by a crankshaft mechanism that causes a predetermined position of the expansion piston to correspond to a predetermined crankshaft angle; a compression cylinder having a compression piston adapted to move alternatively between a CTDC and a CBDC according to a predetermined angular phase shift in delay to the expansion piston; a cylinder head that closes the cylinders and comprises a crossover passageway with an opening in constant communication towards compression cylinder and an opening having a transfer valve towards expansion cylinder, an intake valve and an exhaust valve; means for opening/closing the transfer valve; means for opening/closing exhaust valve at predetermined moments of the alternative cycle of the pistons, and a fuel injector in the crossover passageway.
