Systems and methods that facilitate protecting vehicle impact event data from overwrite include an electronic control unit (ECU) having a processor that records event data related to vehicle operation, a memory that stores the event data, and an electronic tool that communicates with the ECU and comprises a data locking module that sends a data lock signal to the ECU to lock the stored event data as locked data such that the stored event data cannot be overwritten. The ECU, in response to the data lock signal, stores the event data as locked data in a dedicated portion of the memory to preserve the event data for subsequent review.

Systems and methods that facilitate protecting vehicle impact event data from overwrite include an electronic control unit (ECU) having a processor that records event data related to vehicle operation, a memory that stores the event data, and an electronic tool that communicates with the ECU and comprises a data locking module that sends a data lock signal to the ECU to lock the stored event data as locked data such that the stored event data cannot be overwritten. The ECU, in response to the data lock signal, stores the event data as locked data in a dedicated portion of the memory to preserve the event data for subsequent review.

A method for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle includes selecting a first target engine speed in response to a driver power request, calculating an available engine torque at the first target engine speed, adjusting the target engine speed if the available engine torque is insufficient to satisfy the driver power request, and commanding an engine to run at the target engine speed. The first target engine speed is optimized for fuel economy. The calculated available engine torque is less than a calculated maximum engine torque at the target engine speed, such that a torque reserve is maintained for engine vacuum.

A method for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle includes selecting a first target engine speed in response to a driver power request, calculating an available engine torque at the first target engine speed, adjusting the target engine speed if the available engine torque is insufficient to satisfy the driver power request, and commanding an engine to run at the target engine speed. The first target engine speed is optimized for fuel economy. The calculated available engine torque is less than a calculated maximum engine torque at the target engine speed, such that a torque reserve is maintained for engine vacuum.

A variable power drive mode system for a vehicle. The system includes a pedal, a processor, an engine or other vehicle power source for moving the vehicle and a battery. The processor of the vehicle determines, either automatically or based upon user input, a desired drive mode for the vehicle. A memory connected with the processor stores different data corresponding to the different drive modes determinable by the processor for the vehicle. The processor uses the different data stored in memory in combination with a position of the pedal to control the engine or other vehicle power source to generate power in accordance with the determined drive mode. Certain drive modes may provide for more aggressive driving profiles at the expense of fuel efficiency or fuel consumption when compared to other drive modes.

A variable power drive mode system for a vehicle. The system includes a pedal, a processor, an engine or other vehicle power source for moving the vehicle and a battery. The processor of the vehicle determines, either automatically or based upon user input, a desired drive mode for the vehicle. A memory connected with the processor stores different data corresponding to the different drive modes determinable by the processor for the vehicle. The processor uses the different data stored in memory in combination with a position of the pedal to control the engine or other vehicle power source to generate power in accordance with the determined drive mode. Certain drive modes may provide for more aggressive driving profiles at the expense of fuel efficiency or fuel consumption when compared to other drive modes.

A method and system for blending between different torque maps of a vehicle in a smooth and progressive manner. Blending is delayed if the vehicle driver cannot detect that blending is taking place, for example, when the difference between a source map and target map is below a predetermined threshold.

A method and system for blending between different torque maps of a vehicle in a smooth and progressive manner. Blending is delayed if the vehicle driver cannot detect that blending is taking place, for example, when the difference between a source map and target map is below a predetermined threshold.

A method may include restricting cam movement while the vehicle is moving in response to an oil pressure below a threshold oil pressure, and an engine speed below a threshold engine speed, and during a vehicle stopped condition, overriding the restricted cam movement. In one example, the vehicle stopped condition may include the oil over-temperature and the load above the threshold load.

A method may include restricting cam movement while the vehicle is moving in response to an oil pressure below a threshold oil pressure, and an engine speed below a threshold engine speed, and during a vehicle stopped condition, overriding the restricted cam movement. In one example, the vehicle stopped condition may include the oil over-temperature and the load above the threshold load.