METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HEATING AN AFTER TREATMENT DEVICE VIA AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Systems and methods for heating an exhaust after treatment device and producing smooth engine torque output are described. In one example, exhaust valve opening time is adjusted to compensate for additional torque that may be generated via combusting rich air-fuel mixtures in cylinders. In addition, intake valve lift may be adjusted to compensate for additional torque that may be generated via combusting rich air-fuel mixtures in cylinders.