A method includes operating a first cylinder defined by an internal
combustion engine in a combustion mode and operating selectively a second
cylinder defined by the internal combustion engine in one of a combustion
mode or a pumping mode. When the first cylinder is operating in the
combustion mode, air is conveyed into the first cylinder from an intake
manifold, the air is mixed with fuel and the mixture of the fuel and the
air is combusted within the first cylinder. When the second cylinder is
operating in the combustion mode, air is conveyed into the second
cylinder from the intake manifold, the air is mixed with fuel and the
mixture of the fuel and the air is combusted within the second cylinder.
When the second cylinder is operating in the pumping mode, air is
conveyed into the second cylinder from the intake manifold, the air is
compressed without being mixed with fuel and without being combusted, and
the compressed air is conveyed into the intake manifold from the second
cylinder.