A variable valve timing control apparatus is provided which comprises an
operation angle control mechanism capable of varying an intake operation
angle, a phase control mechanism capable of varying an intake maximum lift
phase, and a control unit that controls the operation angle control
mechanism and the phase control mechanism in accordance with an engine
operating condition, wherein the control unit has an engine temperature
estimating section that estimates an engine temperature and controls the
intake operation angle so that when the engine is operating in an
extremely low-load range including idling, the intake operation angle when
an engine temperature is extremely low is set larger than that when the
engine is cold, the extremely low-engine temperature being lower than the
engine temperature when the engine is cold. A method of controlling a
variable valve timing of an internal combustion engine is also provided.
