The present invention relates to a powertrain control system. A first module (12) controls an internal combustion engine (ICE), a second module (14) controls a gearbox (G), and these two modules (12,14) are supervised by a management module (10). In order to optimize powertrain performance, the system controls the engine (ICE), the gearbox (G) and a clutch (C 1 ) depending on driver input as well as current engine, gearbox and clutch state. A preferred embodiment further includes an electric motor (EGM). Preferably, interactions between the control modules (12,14) are always coordinated by the management module (10).