An apparatus is provided for controlling the temperature of an engine based on a temperature control signal generated by an electronic control module of the engine. The electronic control module is coupled to a plurality of sensors configured to detect a plurality of engine component parameters and is configured to generate the temperature control signal related to an optimum engine temperature calculated using at least one output signal from at least one of the plurality of sensors. The apparatus includes a controller coupled to the electronic control module and to an engine temperature sensor. The controller generates an output signal based on the temperature control signal received from the electronic control module and on a signal proportional to the actual engine temperature received from the engine temperature sensor. The apparatus also includes an electronically actuated thermostat including a valve located within a coolant flow passageway of the engine and a motor electrically coupled to the controller. The motor is configured to open and close the valve to control flow of a coolant fluid in the coolant flow passageway in response to the output signal from the controller.