DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ENGINE CONTROL

An engine is operated in a homogeneous charge combustion mode or a stratified charge combustion mode. An intensive target throttle angle is computed based on the running state of the engine, regardless of a combustion mode which is underway. The intensive target throttle angle reflects an engine torque which is demanded at the time of executing the homogeneous charge combustion mode. At the time of executing the homogeneous charge combustion mode, the degree of opening of a throttle valve is adjusted based on the intensive target throttle angle to adjust the engine torque. At the time of executing the stratified charge combustion mode, a fuel injection amount is adjusted based on the intensive target throttle angle to adjust the engine torque. In other words, even in case where either of the two combustion modes is executed, the engine torque is adjusted based on the intensive target throttle angle. It is therefore possible to easily match engine torque characteristics between these different combustion modes.