Automated launch torque is provided. An automated virtual launch torque generation (AVL-TG) system may be included in a vehicle, such as a heavy duty truck, that may interoperate with an adaptive cruise control (CC) system to move the vehicle from a standstill or low speed to a CC handover speed. The AVL-TG system may determine a tip-in torque curve configured to mimic a torque curve generated by a human operator's acceleration pedal tip-in from a standstill or low speed. The tip-in torque curve may be represented by torque demand values corresponding to a dynamic pedal saturation level applied over a dynamic pedal rate. The torque demand values determined by the AVL-TG system may mimic an expected or human vehicle operator generated torque request, and may operate to successfully close the clutch and smoothly launch the vehicle from a standstill or low speed.