Engine start control device for hybrid electric vehicle

An engine start control apparatus for a hybrid electric vehicle, wherein:

• the hybrid electric vehicle is provided with an engine and a motor;
• the engine and the motor are connected to each other through a first clutch whose transmitted torque capacity is adjustable;
• and
• the hybrid electric vehicle starts the engine by applying the first clutch and cranking the engine with a driving effort of the motor;
• and wherein:
• the engine start control apparatus employs a first start mode and a second start mode;
• the first start mode is a mode in which the engine start control apparatus starts the engine from rest in response to driver's accelerator operation;
• the second start mode is a mode in which the engine start control apparatus starts the engine from rest in response to a factor other than driver's accelerator operation;
• and
• the engine start control apparatus sets smaller the transmitted torque capacity of the first clutch during cranking of the engine when in the second start mode than when in the first start mode.