A method for producing a value T being representative of the mean engine
torque generated on a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine
includes the steps of producing a speed vector including values being
representative of instantaneous speeds of the engine during a sampling
period, determining a mean engine speed n during said sampling period
from the speed vector, determining a value Px, being representative of
the frequency contribution of the speed vector at the frequency x*n,
where x is a pre-selected order, and producing a value T being
representative of the mean engine torque on the crankshaft during said
sampling period, wherein T is derived from a mathematical expression
including a polynomial having at least a term k*n*Px, where k is a
polynomial constant. A device for producing a value T is also disclosed.