Abstract: In the case of an internal combustion engine (1) arranged transversely in a motor vehicle and having in-line cylinders, the exhaust gases are passed forwards in the direction of travel around the internal combustion engine from that side of the latter which is opposite to the direction of travel and, from there, pass to a catalytic converter (8) arranged in the rear area of the motor vehicle. To ensure rapid heating of the catalytic converter when cold-starting, the exhaust manifold (2) of the internal combustion engine is connected to the inlet of the catalytic converter (8) by a short feed line (5) with a small cross section. An exhaust-gas recirculation line (15) which opens into line (4) close to the catalytic converter is provided.

Abstract: A cylinder head has an intake port with an intake valve for selectively closing the intake port at an end thereof at an intake valve seat. The intake port has a substantially circular cross section in an area adjacent the intake valve seat. The intake port cross section transitions from the substantially circular cross-section at the intake valve seat, into a substantially oblong cross-section.

Abstract: A camshaft (16) is described for operating the primary and secondary inlet or exhaust valves (12) of an internal combustion engine having multiple valves in each cylinder, the camshaft having cams (18a, 18b) of substantially the same cam profile and phase for operating the primary and secondary valves of each cylinder. In accordance with the invention, in order to reduce valve train noise at least the trailing ramps of the cams (18a, 18b) are offset by between 1.degree. and 3.degree. relative to one another.