Automatic engine power control system for motor vehicles having a power control element

An automatic engine control system for a motor vehicle having an engine and a power control element for controlling engine operation, said control system comprising:

• an accelerator pedal position sensor for sensing a vehicle operator's power demand;
• at least one additional sensor for detecting at least one other vehicle operating parameter;
• a speed sensor for detecting at least one of vehicle speed and acceleration;
• and
• an engine control unit coupled to receive inputs from said accelerator pedal position sensor, said at least one additional sensor and said speed sensor, for generating output signals for controlling said power control element in response to detected accelerator pedal position, said at least one other vehicle operating parameter and detected vehicle speed;
• and
• a computer readable memory having stored therein at least a predefined target vehicle acceleration curve;
• wherein in the event of a system failure detected by said control unit, said control unit adjusts said power control element to cause said engine to generate a torque which achieves a vehicle acceleration according to said target vehicle acceleration curve in response to a driver input demand for increased power, until a predetermined maximum torque value is achieved.

A method of controlling engine power in a vehicle having an engine and a power control element for controlling engine operation, said method comprising:

• detecting an accelerator pedal position of said vehicle to determine a vehicle operator's demand for power;
• detecting at least one other vehicle operating parameter;
• controlling said control element in response to the vehicle operator's demand for power and in response to said at least one other operating parameter;
• detecting a malfunction in the vehicle system;
• detecting vehicle acceleration;
• and
• in response to a detected malfunction, controlling said control element to generate an engine torque which provides a vehicle acceleration according to a predefined vehicle acceleration characteristic in response to a driver input demand for increased power, until a predetermined maximum torque value is achieved.