Vehicle control system

An article of manufacture comprising:

• a computer storage medium having a computer program encoded therein for controlling an engine having at least one cylinder, the engine coupled to a vehicle, the engine also having an intake manifold and an outlet control device for controlling flow from the intake manifold into the cylinder, the outlet control device including variable valve lift, the engine further having an inlet control device for controlling flow into the intake manifold, the inlet control device including an electronically controlled throttle, said computer storage medium comprising:
• code for generating a signal representing a request from a driver;
• code for determining a desired torque based on said request;
• code for, in response to said signal and to improve drive feel,
• adjusting the outlet control device based on said desired torque;
• adjusting throttle position based on an operating parameter;
• and
• code for directly injecting fuel into the engine based on a signal from the sensor to maintain average air/fuel at stoichiometry.