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Variable displacement engine powertrain fuel economy mode

  • US 7,785,230 B2
  • Filed: 05/18/2007
  • Issued: 08/31/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/18/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A vehicle drive system, comprising:

  • a variable displacement engine including a plurality of cylinders, where at least one of the plurality of cylinders is deactivated to decrease engine displacement;

    a torque converter operatively coupled to the variable displacement engine configured to operate with variable slip;

    a driver interface for receiving a preference setting from a driver, the driver interface including a first setting indicating increased fuel economy where said torque converter is locked at a first engine speed, and a second setting indicating reduced noise or vibration where said torque converter is locked at a second engine speed, said first engine speed less than said second engine speed; and

    a control system for receiving the preference setting from the driver, and adjusting torque converter slip based on the preference setting from the driver.

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