Abstract: A method for accelerating a vehicle from rest, including controlling an engine according to a first control strategy; receiving a mode indication selecting a launch control mode for accelerating; controlling the engine according to a second control strategy; in response to greater than zero accelerator position, controlling to increase throttle valve opening and engine control operational conditions to limit engine torque output; while in the second control strategy, receiving an indication to end control by the second control strategy; and in response to indication, controlling according to the first control strategy causing the vehicle to accelerate from rest, the first acceleration rate greater than the second rate corresponding to accelerating from rest after sequentially controlling according to the first and second control strategies; the second acceleration rate corresponding to accelerating from rest by controlling according to the first control strategy without previously controlling according to the