Abstract: An engine control system in a vehicle including a variable displacement internal combustion engine, a speed sensor for detecting the speed of the variable displacement internal combustion engine, a controller for controlling the displacement of the variable displacement internal combustion engine, and where the controller varies the spark timing of the variable displacement engine based upon the detected speed during changes in the displacement of the variable displacement internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a variable displacement internal combustion engine, a transmission coupled to the variable displacement internal combustion engine, an intake manifold coupled to the variable displacement internal combustion engine, a throttle coupled to the intake manifold, an engine controller for controlling the throttle and the variable displacement internal combustion engine, and a transmission controller for controlling the transmission. The engine controller transfers a throttle position or load value to the transmission controller. This throttle position or load value is independent of the actual displacement of the variable displacement internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A vehicle control system including a variable displacement internal combustion engine, a transmission coupled to the variable displacement internal combustion engine, an intake manifold coupled to the variable displacement internal combustion engine, a throttle coupled to the intake manifold, an engine controller for controlling the throttle and the variable displacement internal combustion engine, a transmission controller for controlling the transmission, and where the engine controller transfers a throttle position or load value to the transmission controller, the throttle position or load value independent of the displacement of the variable displacement internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An interface for application in electronic throttle control for automotive vehicles allows for improved scope of accelerator authority including at times when competing control algorithms, such as idle speed, cruise and traction control algorithms are operating, and facilitates a smooth interaction between accelerator-based control commands and competing control algorithm control commands to minimize perception of the interaction.