a method of controlling engine torque in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and multi - ratio transmission when launched from a neutral idle rest condition . at neutral idle , the transmission is controlled such that the input and output members are decoupled . during vehicle launch , two different strategies may be employed to control engine torque . one preferred method is to determine an engine brake torque limit as a function of time . another preferred method to determine the engine brake torque limit is to estimate the torque capacity of the forward clutch at any given time using a mathematical model and a calibrated offset of turbine torque . irrespective of the particular method used , the determined engine brake torque limit is compared to the corresponding engine torque amount that is requested by the vehicle operator . as a result , the actual engine torque output is optimized at all times to provide approximately the maximum amount of requested torque without exceeding the capacity of the transmission &# 39 ; s forward clutch .