An engine intake control apparatus for an engine that comprises at least
one combustion chamber operatively connected to an intake port and an
intake valve associated with each intake port, wherein the intake valve
is adapted to open and close the intake port is disclosed herein. The
intake control apparatus comprises a variable valve operating mechanism
and a controller. The variable valve operating mechanism is configured
and arranged to selectively change a valve closing timing and a valve
lift amount of the intake valve. The controller is configured and
arranged to control the variable valve operating mechanism when the
engine is in a low load condition. The valve closing timing is determined
such that an actual compression ratio of the engine is reduced relative
to the actual compression ratio when the engine is operating in a high
load condition. The valve lift amount is smaller when the engine is in
the low load condition relative to the valve lift amount when the engine
is in the high load condition. A method for controller an engine is also
disclosed.