In internal combustion engines, particularly for spark ignition (SI) engines, valve events and their timings put forth a major influence on the engine overall efficiency and its exhaust emissions. By using variable valve timing (VVT) technology it is possible to control the valve lift, phase, and valve timing at any point on the engine map, in order to enhance the engine overall performance.  In this study, effects of variable valve timing strategies on gasoline and diesel engines are discussed and analyzed. Also the static characteristics of a solenoid incorporating a permanent magnet as its core are developed, and validated with experiments. The permanent magnet core solenoid is novel in that a single electromagnet can provide bi-direction motion of the core motion. Its application to VVT can provide infinite position control and timing, force control such as to reduce impact forces, and latching capabilities, providing a novel actuator to the automotive industry