A method of and apparatus for controlling quantity of air drawn into internal combustion engine

In a method of and apparatus for continuously controlling a quantity of air drawn into an internal combustion engine by varying operating characteristics of an intake valve, a control unit uses avalve lift included in a range wherein the quantity of air is determined only by a valve lift and a working angle of the intake valve, in a very low load operating range containing during idling. In contrast, in operating ranges except the very low load operating range, the control unit uses a valve lift included in a range wherein the quantity of air is determined by the valve lift and the working angle of the intake valve, and a phase of a central angle of the working angle of the intake valve.