CONTROL DEVICE FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Provided is a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which can increase ambient temperatures in a cylinder and an intake system during execution of a fuel cut, thereby ensuring ignitability of fuel successfully at a return from the fuel cut. An exhaust variable, valve operating mechanism (46) is provided that is capable of changing the closing timing of an exhaust valve. The closing timing of the exhaust valve is advanced to the advance side with respect to the exhaust top dead center during execution of a fuel cut.