A variable valve timing control apparatus includes a driving-side rotation member, a driven-side rotation member, an intermediate lock mechanism including first and second lock members, first and second recess portions, and a guide groove, a sensor, and a control portion. The control portion performs a control so that the relative rotation phase is changed until a first stop state is established in a state where the relative rotation phase is in an unlocked state and one of the first and second lock members is positioned relative to one of the first and second recess portions at which the guide groove is formed at a side opposite from a side where the guide groove is formed. The control portion reverses a change direction of the relative rotation phase after the first stop state is established so that the relative rotation phase is changed until a second stop state is established.

An engine control system for a vehicle includes a shutdown control module that generates a command to shut down an engine of the vehicle when at least one of: a driver requests the shutdown of the engine via an ignition system; and when one or more predetermined conditions are satisfied for shutting down the engine without the driver requesting shutdown of the engine via the ignition system. A valve control module, when the command to shut down the engine is generated, advances an exhaust camshaft phaser based on a predetermined exhaust park position. When the exhaust camshaft phaser is in the predetermined exhaust park position, an exhaust valve of a cylinder is fully closed during an exhaust stroke of the cylinder before a piston of the cylinder reaches a topmost position for a next intake stroke of the cylinder.