The document discusses new trends in internal combustion engines to improve fuel economy, safety, emissions and noise/vibration. These trends include cylinder deactivation to reduce pumping losses under light loads, direct fuel injection for lean combustion and lower emissions, variable valve timing and lift to optimize power and efficiency, and turbochargers to force more air into the cylinders and increase power output. While improving performance, these technologies also increase costs and complexity of engine design and maintenance. The internal combustion engine will likely continue powering vehicles with advanced technologies to meet future challenges.