Apparatus for controlling vehicle driving power

Abstract

An engine controller includes a accelerator stroke detector, vehicle speed and vehicle acceleration sensors, first and second model learning units and a drive control unit. The first model learning unit constructs a vehicle acceleration model that exhibits and updates vehicle acceleration characteristics as required by a driver. The first unit includes a first learning program for updating acceleration model, and generates a first output (Gx) in response to the detected accelerator stroke and vehicle speed according to the first program. The first unit calculates a deviation (.DELTA.G) between the detected vehicle acceleration (G) and the first output (Gx), and modifies the first output (Gx) to decrease the deviation (.DELTA.G) to provide an updated acceleration model as required by the driver. The second model learning unit is for constructing a sensitivity model used to regulate the opening angle of an engine throttle valve. The second unit includes a second learning program for updating the sensitivity model and generating a second output (Thx) in response to the detected accelerator stroke and vehicle speed. As a consequence, the output (Thx) is modified to decrease the deviation (.DELTA.G) which provides for an update to the sensitivity model. The drive control unit controls the throttle angle referring to a target value determined on the basis of the second output (Thx).