Abstract: A method for controlling a continuously variable automatic transmission for a motor vehicle, equipped with a forced downshift device known as a kick down implemented by the driver fully depressing the accelerator pedal to obtain the vehicle's maximum acceleration, and with an electronic engine management system. The method determines the engine speed at which maximum engine power can be obtained, as a function of an operating state of the engine and of components connected to the engine, for example a particle filter, and as a function of environmental conditions outside the vehicle, for example the altitude during kick down procedures.