Abstract: A method for controlling the speed in a vehicle includes adjusting at least one gain parameter based on a vehicle speed error and the displacement on demand mode of the engine. A new cruise throttle area is calculated from the adjusted gain parameter.

Abstract: An engine control system for controlling transitions between activated and deactivated modes in a hybrid powertrain driven by a displacement on demand engine and an electric machine includes a calculator that calculates a desired powertrain torque. An engine control controls operation of the engine to produce an engine torque. An electric machine control controls operation of the electric machine to produce an electric machine torque. The electric machine torque supplements the engine torque to achieve the desired powertrain torque during a transition from the activated mode to the deactivated mode.

Abstract: An engine control system controls transitions between activated and deactivated modes in a displacement on demand engine. The engine control system includes an engine speed sensor that generates an engine speed signal and a controller that calculates a torque reserve of the engine based on the engine speed signal. The controller transitions the engine from the activated mode to the deactivated mode when the torque reserve is greater than a threshold torque. The controller transitions the engine from the deactivated mode to the activated mode when the torque reserve is lower than the threshold torque.