The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine for motor vehicles. The engine can be operated in homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion mode and in conventional spark ignited (SI) combustion mode. For increasing volumetric efficiency and charge temperature during homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion operation timing, duration and lift of the intake valve and the exhaust valve respectively, being controlled such that an amount of residual exhaust gases is trapped in the cylinder of the engine. An intake valve is opened at a timed moment after top dead center during an induction stroke of the piston such that a pressure wave is generated from an intake manifold into the cylinder. The intake valve is closed at a timed moment before the pressure wave is reflected within the cylinder such that a charge mass of said pressure wave is retained within the cylinder.