A method for operating a powertrain of a hybrid vehicle is provided. The method includes outputting via a controller an engine speed command that is based on a predicted impeller speed of a torque converter and corresponds to the accelerator tip-in to output a torque from the engine to wheels of the vehicle in response to detection of an accelerator pedal tip-in greater than a predetermined threshold. The method may also include accessing a history of impeller speed outputs of the hybrid vehicle to obtain the predicted impeller speed. The engine speed command may set engine speed substantially equal to or greater than the predicted impeller speed. The predetermined threshold may be based on a driver requested torque output of the wheels in which torque from the torque converter to the wheels results in saturation.

Systems and methods for operating a hybrid vehicle driveline that includes an engine and a motor are presented. In one example, the systems and methods include one or more control modes where engine and/or motor speed or torque is adjusted responsive to different control parameters during a vehicle launch from zero speed or a creep speed.

A hybrid drive device includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine and an impulse start module which comprises two clutches and a flywheel mass. A method for operating the hybrid device includes opening the first clutch of the impulse-start module and establishing a start-up requirement for the internal-combustion engine. The method also includes closing the first clutch with the second clutch in an open or closed position for a start of the internal-combustion engine.

Systems and methods for operating a hybrid powertrain or driveline that includes an engine and an integrated starter/generator are described. In one example, the integrated starter/generator may rotate a torque converter during a vehicle activation process if a vehicle soak time exceeds a threshold. The integrated starter/generator may not rotate the torque converter during a vehicle activation process if a vehicle soak time is less than the threshold.

Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes a manual transmission are presented. In one example, a controller enters and exits a vehicle drive mode that is included in a plurality of vehicle drive modes in response to a clutch pedal being applied or released by a human vehicle operator. The vehicle drive modes include series hybrid, parallel hybrid, and electric vehicle only mode.

In at least one embodiment, a vehicle powertrain includes an engine and an electric machine mechanically coupled by a clutch. The powertrain also includes a torque converter configured to fluidly couple the electric machine to an output shaft. A controller is programmed to command a rotational speed output of the electric machine to the torque converter based on a predicted torque delivered across the clutch. The controller is further programmed to modify the command based on a difference between the commanded rotational speed output and an actual rotational speed output of the electric machine.

A hybrid drive device includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine and an impulse start module which comprises two clutches and a flywheel mass. A method for operating the hybrid device includes opening the first clutch of the impulse-start module and establishing a start-up requirement for the internal-combustion engine. The method also includes closing the first clutch with the second clutch in an open or closed position for a start of the internal-combustion engine.

Methods and systems are provided for operating a powertrain or driveline of a hybrid vehicle that includes two electric machines and a transmission are described. In one example, vehicle propulsion is maintained while transmission operating parameters are determined for improving transmission operation. In particular, a rear drive unit maintains vehicle speed and monitors torque delivered via an output of the transmission.

Systems and methods for operating a hybrid powertrain or driveline that includes an engine and an integrated starter/generator are described. In one example, the integrated starter/generator may rotate a torque converter during a vehicle activation process if a vehicle soak time exceeds a threshold. The integrated starter/generator may not rotate the torque converter during a vehicle activation process if a vehicle soak time is less than the threshold.

A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle includes a drive source and an automatic transmission connected to the drive source and including a variator. The vehicle control device includes: a first control unit configured to execute a during-travel drive source stop control for stopping the drive source and shifting the automatic transmission in a neutral state if a during-travel drive source stop condition is satisfied; and a second control unit configured to execute a during-travel drive source stop release control for shifting the automatic transmission in a power transmission state via a rotation synchronization control in the automatic transmission set in the neutral state if a during-travel drive source stop release condition is satisfied. The second control unit executes the rotation synchronization control with the variator downshifted from a speed ratio during the during-travel drive source stop control if the during-travel drive source stop release condition accompanied by a downshifting request of the variator is satisfied.