Abstract: A method and system for controlling an exhaust temperature for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The method and system comprise determining a range of acceptable charge flows within the internal combustion engine to meet a desired exhaust temperature. The method and system further comprise controlling the charge flows to fall within the range. Control strategies to utilize the charge flow as a lever to control turbine outlet temperature are disclosed. These strategies utilize the inversion of the cylinder outlet temperature virtual sensor as well as a new turbine outlet temperature virtual sensor to determine the charge flow required to achieve the desired turbine outlet temperature given the current turbine inlet and outlet pressure, SOI, charge pressure, charge temperature, fueling, and engine speed.