Patent ID: 7765966

Claim:
A system for a vehicle with an engine having at least one cylinder with at least an intake valve and at least an exhaust valve, comprising: a hydraulic variable valve actuator system; a hybrid propulsion system coupled to the engine; and a controller that during a first condition causes said engine to start with said hydraulic variable valve actuator system in a retarded position at an engine speed where there is insufficient oil pressure to index said hydraulic variable valve actuator system; and that during a second condition causes said hybrid propulsion system to increase a speed of said engine from rest to an engine speed where there is sufficient oil pressure to index said hydraulic variable valve actuator system, and said controller causing said hydraulic variable valve actuator system to advance timings of said at least an intake valve and said at least an exhaust valve after reaching said engine speed where there is sufficient oil pressure to index said hydraulic variable valve actuator system, and said controller starting said engine after advancing the timings of said at least an intake valve and said at least an exhaust valve.