The late intake valve closing (LIVC) load control concept provides a means to eliminate most of the pumping work energy loss. Experimental and theoretical studies have shown that the fuel saving with such a load control system can be as much as 7 per cent. If LIVC is combined with a variable compression ratio (VCR) device, further fuel savings can be realized. Results of up to 20 per cent over a conventional engine, at low loads/speeds have been reported. A simple two-state LIVC control mechanism is currently under development/evaluation at Sheffield Hallam University.