Powertrain and method for controlling a powertrain

A method for controlling the powertrain includes the following steps: (a) receiving a torque request; (b) determining, via a system control module, whether the internal combustion engine is operating in an engine component-protection mode; and (c) commanding, via the system control module, the internal combustion engine and the electric motor-generator to adjust the engine output power and a motor output power, respectively, so as to generate a powertrain output power necessary to achieve the torque requested if the internal combustion engine is operating in the engine component-protection mode. Another method can control the powertrain to maintain a desired powertrain output power when an electric motor-generator is operating in a derate mode.