A system and method for controlling an engine in a vehicle to facilitate heat transfer to a passenger compartment is provided. A number of conditions are examined, and if it is found that one or more of these conditions matches a corresponding predetermined condition, the spark timing of the engine is retarded. In addition, a charge motion control valve is opened, thereby increasing the amount, and reducing the turbulence, of the air entering the engine. This facilitates hotter combustion within the engine, and therefore faster heat transfer to the vehicle passenger compartment.