Abstract: A launch control technique for a vehicle having a torque generating system comprises displaying, via a user interface, information relating to a set of launch torque curves, each launch torque curve defining how the torque generating system is to generate drive torque during a period, receiving, via the user interface, a driver-selection of one of the set of launch torque curves to obtain a driver-selected launch torque curve, detecting a set of launch conditions comprising one or more vehicle operating conditions indicative of a launch of the vehicle, detecting a launch request in response to an accelerator pedal of the vehicle being depressed to an accelerator pedal position threshold, and finally controlling the launch of the vehicle by performing open-loop control of the drive torque generated by the torque generating system according to the driver-selected launch torque curve and irrespective of wheel slip of the vehicle.

Abstract: A shift system and methodology for an automatic transmission of a vehicle is provided. The shift system includes a paddle shifter system configured to be controlled to manually shift gears of the transmission, and a manual gate console shifter system configured to be controlled to manually shift the gears of the transmission when in a manual gate shifting mode. A shift control system is configured to control shifting behavior of the transmission based on whether the paddle shifter system or manual gate shifting mode is activated. When the paddle shifter system is activated, the shift control system automatically upshifts a gear of the transmission when a speed of the engine exceeds a predetermined speed, and when the manual gate shifting mode is activated, the shift control system prevents automatically upshift a transmission gear when the speed of the engine exceeds the predetermined speed.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling vehicle launch includes receiving a request to enable a launch control feature of a traction control system of the vehicle, the launch control feature being configured to improve torque transfer from an engine of the vehicle to a driveline of the vehicle; and in response to receiving the enable request for the launch control feature, generating a torque reserve at the engine by (i) increasing airflow into the engine to a level greater than a level for achieving a torque request for the engine and (ii) deactivating a predetermined set of cylinders of the engine by disabling their respective fuel injectors; detecting an intent of the driver to launch the vehicle; and in response to detecting the intent of the driver to launch the vehicle, releasing the torque reserve to increase a torque output of the engine based on the engine torque request.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling vehicle launch includes receiving a request to enable a launch control feature of a traction control system of the vehicle, the launch control feature being configured to improve torque transfer from an engine of the vehicle to a driveline of the vehicle; and in response to receiving the enable request for the launch control feature, generating a torque reserve at the engine by (i) increasing airflow into the engine to a level greater than a level for achieving a torque request for the engine and (ii) deactivating a predetermined set of cylinders of the engine by disabling their respective fuel injectors; detecting an intent of the driver to launch the vehicle; and in response to detecting the intent of the driver to launch the vehicle, releasing the torque reserve to increase a torque output of the engine based on the engine torque request.

Abstract: An engine cooling system includes an engine, an intercooler, a radiator fan, a cooling circuit thermally coupled to at least one of the engine and the intercooler and circulating a coolant, and a controller in signal communication with the cooling circuit. The controller is configured to: upon receipt of a request, when the engine is in an off state, activate a quick cooldown mode where the radiator fan and the cooling circuit are operated to circulate and supply the coolant to at least one of the engine and the intercooler to cool vehicle under hood components while the engine is in the off state.

Abstract: A transmission launch system includes a control system and a transmission having a plurality of clutches, where actuation of combinations of a predetermined number of clutches provides powerflow for different transmission drive gears. The control system is configured to initiate a performance launch of the vehicle where the transmission is commanded to engage a combination of the predetermined number of clutches corresponding to a forward drive gear. The transmission is then commanded to engage an additional clutch to lock its output shaft such that engine torque is prevented from being transferred to vehicle drive wheels. The engine generates drive torque greater than a capacity of a vehicle brake system and the control system then commands release of the additional clutch thereby unlocking the output shaft and allowing powerflow in the forward drive gear such that the generated engine drive torque is transferred to the drive wheels to propel the vehicle.

Abstract: An engine cooling system includes an engine, an intercooler, a radiator fan, a cooling circuit thermally coupled to at least one of the engine and the intercooler and circulating a coolant, and a controller in signal communication with the cooling circuit. The controller is configured to: upon receipt of a request, when the engine is in an off state, activate a quick cooldown mode where the radiator fan and the cooling circuit are operated to circulate and supply the coolant to at least one of the engine and the intercooler to cool vehicle under hood components while the engine is in the off state.

Abstract: A line lock braking system includes a brake module configured to selectively apply hydraulic braking pressure against first wheels and second wheels of the vehicle, and a controller in signal communication with the brake module. The controller initiates, upon receipt of a request, a vehicle line lock mode and performs line lock braking of the vehicle where the brake module is controlled to selectively apply braking pressure against the first wheels and not the second wheels such that the second wheels are free to rotate based on a throttle applied by a driver; completes the line lock mode upon release of a button being depressed to enter and maintain activation of the line lock mode such that the braking pressure against the first wheels is released; and cancels the line lock mode upon determining a number of rotations of the second wheels exceeds a predetermined number of wheel rotations.

Abstract: A line lock braking system includes a brake module configured to selectively apply hydraulic braking pressure against first wheels and second wheels of the vehicle, and a controller in signal communication with the brake module. The controller initiates, upon receipt of a request, a vehicle line lock mode and performs line lock braking of the vehicle where the brake module is controlled to selectively apply braking pressure against the first wheels and not the second wheels such that the second wheels are free to rotate based on a throttle applied by a driver; completes the line lock mode upon release of a button being depressed to enter and maintain activation of the line lock mode such that the braking pressure against the first wheels is released; and cancels the line lock mode upon determining a number of rotations of the second wheels exceeds a predetermined number of wheel rotations.

Abstract: A transmission launch system includes a control system and a transmission having a plurality of clutches, where actuation of combinations of a predetermined number of clutches provides powerflow for different transmission drive gears. The control system is configured to initiate a performance launch of the vehicle where the transmission is commanded to engage a combination of the predetermined number of clutches corresponding to a forward drive gear. The transmission is then commanded to engage an additional clutch to lock its output shaft such that engine torque is prevented from being transferred to vehicle drive wheels. The engine generates drive torque greater than a capacity of a vehicle brake system and the control system then commands release of the additional clutch thereby unlocking the output shaft and allowing powerflow in the forward drive gear such that the generated engine drive torque is transferred to the drive wheels to propel the vehicle.

Abstract: A shift system and methodology for an automatic transmission of a vehicle is provided. The shift system includes a paddle shifter system configured to be controlled to manually shift gears of the transmission, and a manual gate console shifter system configured to be controlled to manually shift the gears of the transmission when in a manual gate shifting mode. A shift control system is configured to control shifting behavior of the transmission based on whether the paddle shifter system or manual gate shifting mode is activated. When the paddle shifter system is activated, the shift control system automatically upshifts a gear of the transmission when a speed of the engine exceeds a predetermined speed, and when the manual gate shifting mode is activated, the shift control system prevents automatically upshift a transmission gear when the speed of the engine exceeds the predetermined speed.

Abstract: A vehicle may include an engine, a housing, a lighting assembly and a conduit. The engine propels the vehicle. The housing is mounted to a body of the vehicle and includes an airflow passageway extending through the housing. The lighting assembly is mounted to the housing, defines an air inlet of the airflow passageway and is configured to emit a light pattern in response to receipt of electrical current. The conduit may be connected to the airflow passageway for fluid communication therebetween. The conduit may receive air from the air inlet and may provide the air to the engine for combustion within the engine.

Abstract: A vehicle may include an engine, a housing, a lighting assembly and a conduit. The engine propels the vehicle. The housing is mounted to a body of the vehicle and includes an airflow passageway extending through the housing. The lighting assembly is mounted to the housing, defines an air inlet of the airflow passageway and is configured to emit a light pattern in response to receipt of electrical current. The conduit may be connected to the airflow passageway for fluid communication therebetween. The conduit may receive air from the air inlet and may provide the air to the engine for combustion within the engine.