Emission and drivability tradeoffs in a variable cam timing SI engine with electronic throttle

Tradeoffs between low feedgas emissions and smooth brake torque are discussed in the context of an engine equipped with variable camshaft timing (VCT). The use of VCT lowers the generation of feedgas emissions but adversely affects the torque response. However, with the addition of an electronic throttle and knowledge of online torque, the tradeoffs between emissions and drivability in the VCT engine can be lessened; conventional (nonVCT) engine torque response can be achieved while simultaneously preserving most of the emissions benefits gained by using VCT.