An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block that defines a cylinder and a cylinder head mounted to the cylinder block. A reciprocating piston is arranged inside the cylinder for compressing an air and fuel mixture at a geometric compression ratio of at least 10:1. A crankshaft is arranged in the cylinder block and rotated by the piston. An intake valve is operatively connected to the cylinder head and controls delivery of air to the cylinder for combustion therein. A mechanism provides a constant peak lift of the intake valve over an angle of rotation of the crankshaft that is at least 5 degrees, i.e., an extended dwell at peak lift. A multi-stage boosting system having first and second gas compressors is selectively controlled to pressurize air that is received from the ambient for delivery to the cylinder. A vehicle having such an engine is also disclosed.