Method and device for imparting torque reserves and loads in a torque-based system

An engine control module comprises an air control module, a spark control module and a spare module. The air control module controls a throttle valve of an engine based on an adjusted predicted torque request. The spark control module controls a spark timing of the engine based on an adjusted torque request. The reserve module determines a mediated reserve based on a maximum of a minimum reserve or an additive reserve sum. The reserve module also generates the adjusted predicted torque request based on a sum-mediated predicted torque request and a requested reserve, wherein the requested reserve is based on the mediated reserve.