Idle drive torque control for automated vehicle dry master clutch

A control for a vehicle drive line system (10) including an automated vehicle dry master clutch (14) drivingly interposed in between a fuel-controlled engine (12) and the input shaft (20) of a mechanical transmission. When engaged in a start ratio and at sensed idle conditions (THL < REF and OS < REF), if the vehicle brake system (35 and 35C) is not applied, the engine (12) is commanded to generate an output torque (TFW) equal to a selected idle drive torque (TIDLE) at idle speed (ES = IDLE), the engine is commanded to rotate at idle speed, and the clutch is caused to engage with a torque capacity equal to the idle drive torque.