Abstract:
A multicylinder petrol engine is provided with a hydraulic system for variable actuation of the valves, which enables easy control of operation of the engine according to different strategies. The engine according to the invention is, in particular, able to operate with a variable engine displacement in a modular way via the exclusion of selected cylinders, to control combustion by means of adjustment of the effective compression ratio, and to control recirculation of the exhaust gases at intake, in order to achieve low levels of consumption and reduced harmful exhaust emissions.