Feed-forward engine idle speed control

A vehicle includes an engine, transmission, engine control module (ECM), and transmission control module (TCM). The transmission includes an input member and an input clutch which selectively connects a crankshaft of the engine to the input member. The TCM identifies a target clutch torque of the input clutch during a creep maneuver of the vehicle, and communicates the identified target clutch torque to the ECM. The ECM maintains engine idle speed at a threshold level through the creep maneuver and a requested launch using the target clutch torque as a feed-forward term. A method includes identifying a target clutch torque of the input clutch during a creep maneuver, and communicating the identified target clutch torque to the ECM. The idle speed is maintained at a threshold level by the ECM through the creep maneuver and a detected launch using the target clutch torque as a feed-forward idle speed control term.