Apparatus and method for controlling internal combustion engine

An apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine comprising:

• target output setting means for setting a target output torque based on an operating degree of an accelerator;
• target setting means for setting a target indicated torque;
• and
• controlling means for controlling at least one of actuators that are capable of varying output of the engine in accordance with the target indicated torque,
• wherein the target setting means sets the target indicated torque as the sum of the target output torque and a loss torque when a vehicle driven by the engine is in a driving condition, and the target setting means sets the target indicated torque so that a target indicated power is constantly maintained when the engine is in an idling.

A control method for an internal combustion engine, the method comprising:

• setting a target indicated power being substantially constant;
• detecting an engine speed;
• setting a target indicated torque for an idling of the engine by transforming the target indicated power based on the detected engine speed;
• and
• varying output of the engine in accordance with the target indicated torque when the engine is in the idling.