A direct injection type engine comprising a variable speed transmission. Engine control lines indicating the relationship between the engine rotational speed and required torque necessary for obtaining a required output are comprised of a first control line and a second control line at the high torque side and low speed side of the first control line. When the degree of activation of the exhaust gas purification device is low, the required torque and the engine rotational speed are made ones on the first control line in accordance with the required output, while when the degree of activation is high, the required torque and the engine rotational speed are made ones on the second control line in accordance with the required output.