Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle having different operating modes, and for each such mode a different characteristic of output torque and accelerator pedal position. The rise of output torque in response to a propulsion request is more or less delayed according to the instant operating mode. The invention provides for blending of the response to a propulsion request so that the delay is progressively varied between a source and target operating mode.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for blending between different torque maps of a vehicle so that step changes of torque output are avoided as accelerator pedal position is changed. The invention provides different blending rates so as to reduce the blending time if driver demand is in the direction of torque change.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for blending between torque maps of a source of propulsion of a vehicle. Embodiments of the present invention are particularly applicable to automatic selection of an alternative torque map in response to a change of vehicle operating condition, for example a change of terrain. Blending according to embodiments of the present invention may substantially avoid a step change in response of the source of propulsion as accelerator position is changed.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for at least one vehicle subsystem of a vehicle; the vehicle control system comprising a subsystem controller for initiating control of the or each of the vehicle subsystems in a selected one of a plurality of different subsystem control modes, each of which corresponds to one or more different driving conditions for the vehicle. Evaluation means are provided for evaluating one or more driving condition indicators to determine the extent to which each of the subsystem control modes is appropriate and for providing an output to the subsystem controller that is indicative of the control mode which is most appropriate. This may be an evaluation means for calculating the probability that the or each of the subsystem control modes is appropriate. Automatic control means may be operable in an automatic response mode to select an appropriate one of the subsystem control modes in dependence on the output.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for blending between different torque maps of a vehicle in a smooth and progressive manner. Blending is delayed if the vehicle driver cannot detect that blending is taking place, for example when the difference between a source map and target map is below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid electric vehicle (100) comprising: an engine (121) and at least one electric propulsion motor (123), the vehicle (100) being operable in a HEV mode in which the engine (121) may be switched on automatically during a drive-cycle by control means (140) and an electric vehicle (EV)-only mode in which engine starting is inhibited during a drive-cycle, the vehicle (100) being operable in one of a plurality of attribute modes in which one or more operating parameters of the vehicle (100) are changed by the control means (140) responsive to the identity of the selected attribute mode, wherein when in the HEV mode and a first attribute mode is selected, selection of the EV-only mode by the driver results in assumption of the EV-only mode and continued operation in the first attribute mode, and when in the HEV mode and a second or further attribute mode has been selected, selection of the EV-only mode by the driver results in assumption of the EV-only mode and automatic de-selection b