Engine torque reserve techniques for optimizing drag racing transient response

A method of controlling launch of a vehicle, the method comprising:

• receiving, by a controller of the vehicle and from an input device of the vehicle, 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, by the controller, 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 of the engine, and
• (ii) deactivating a predetermined set of cylinders of the engine by disabling their respective fuel injectors;
• detecting, by the controller, an intent of the driver to haunch the vehicle;
• and
• in response to detecting the intent of the driver to launch the vehicle, releasing, by the controller, the torque reserve to increase a torque output of the engine based on the engine torque request.