A control system and method for an internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold for directing airflow to a plurality of cylinders of the engine and an electronically controlled throttle valve disposed within the intake manifold for regulating airflow into the engine. An engine retard control determination module determines whether retard control of the engine is disabled. A throttle control module communicates with the electronically controlled throttle valve and modifies a throttle return trigger point during a transmission upshift when the retard control determination module determines that retard control of the engine is disabled.