Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a driveline may selectively enter a sailing mode to provide quick driveline torque response with reduced impact on fuel economy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is stopped to a desired position via slipping a driveline disconnect clutch so that engine starting may be improved.

Abstract: Systems and methods for learning torque estimate errors and updating torque estimation models are presented. In one example, torque errors are learned during an engine shut-down, after a disconnect clutch coupled between an engine and an electric machine has been released. An updated torque estimation model is then used to control torque during subsequent engine operation to improve drive feel and vehicle performance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, external data are a basis for operating a driveline disconnect clutch. For example, a vehicle destination may be a basis for opening a driveline disconnect clutch and beginning to discharging an energy storage device so that fewer hydrocarbons may be consumed by the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque demand of a driveline after a shift is forecast to determine if it is desirable to start the engine early so that engine torque is available after the shift. The approach may improve vehicle torque response.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is started and idled before engine torque is required so that driveline torque response may be improved.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of an engine are presented. In one example, a position of a throttle is adjusted along with other actuators to improve engine starting.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an electrical load may be automatically activated to consume electrical energy produced during driveline braking so that driveline braking may be extended. The electrical load may be a windscreen heater or other device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a method for transitioning between regenerative braking and engine braking is described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, entry conditions for entering a driveline sailing mode are described. Driveline sailing mode may improve driveline torque response and vehicle drivability.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a method for transitioning between regenerative braking and providing positive torque to a driveline is presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, negative torque of an electric machine is adjusted to mimic negative torque of an engine during engine braking so that the vehicle may transition from regenerative braking to engine braking in a seamless manner.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring an exhaust gas sensor coupled in an engine exhaust are provided. In one example approach, a method comprises indicating exhaust gas sensor degradation based on a downstream exhaust gas sensor responding before the upstream exhaust gas sensor during a commanded change in air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an exhaust gas sensor coupled in an engine exhaust is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises indicating exhaust gas sensor degradation based on a time delay and line length of each sample of a set of exhaust gas sensor responses collected during a commanded change in air-fuel ratio. In this way, the exhaust gas sensor may be monitored utilizing robust parameters in a non-intrusive manner.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection.

Abstract: Methods for predicting the performance risk of a paint component are disclosed. The methods include providing a proposed paint formulation, wherein the proposed paint formulation comprises at least one paint component, and identifying previous paint formulations comprising the paint component. The methods further include evaluating formulation similarities between the previous paint formulations and the proposed paint formulation, assigning formulation similarity scores based on the formulation similarities, and determining a paint component risk score for the paint component based on the formulation similarity scores. The proposed paint formulation may be utilized in a manufacturing application when the paint component risk score satisfies a manufacturing threshold value.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection.

Abstract: Methods for predicting the performance risk of a paint component are disclosed. The methods include providing a proposed paint formulation, wherein the proposed paint formulation comprises at least one paint component, and identifying previous paint formulations comprising the paint component. The methods further include evaluating formulation similarities between the previous paint formulations and the proposed paint formulation, assigning formulation similarity scores based on the formulation similarities, and determining a paint component risk score for the paint component based on the formulation similarity scores. The proposed paint formulation may be utilized in a manufacturing application when the paint component risk score satisfies a manufacturing threshold value.