Method and system for controlling engine speed, engine torque and output from a torque converter

A system for controlling engine speed, engine torque, and torque converter output in a vehicle, comprising:

• a damper connected to an output for an engine in said vehicle and for receiving torque from the engine;
• a pump clutch with an input connected to the damper and with an output connected to an input for a torque converter;
• and,
• a control element configured to controllably slip said pump clutch at a predetermined rate, wherein:
• said engine is turbocharged and said control element is configured to controllably slip said pump clutch during a launch event for said vehicle;
• at an initiation of the launch event, the engine is for transferring torque to the damper;
• the control element is for opening the pump clutch prior to the initiation of the launch event and keeping the pump clutch open for a first time period beginning at the initiation of the launch event such that a speed of rotation for the engine increases during the first time period and such that a pump for the torque converter does not receive torque from the damper during the first time period;
• said control element is configured to reduce slippage in said pump clutch at a predetermined rate after expiration of the first time period;
• and,
• said control element is configured to close said clutch after said clutch is controllably slipped.