1. A method for predicting engine speed for use in controlling operation of an internal combustion engine, comprising the steps of: (a) measuring engine speed; (b) sensing present values of a predetermined set of engine operating parameters; (c) calculating engine steady state torque in accord with the sensed present values; (d) estimating a torque production delay value representing a production delay in commanded engine torque corresponding to a predetermined future engine angular position; (e) predicting engine speed at the predetermined future engine angular position as a predetermined function of the measured engine speed, and, from a predetermined previous engine angular position, a previous engine speed, a previous steady state torque and a previous torque production delay value; and (f) controlling operation of the engine at the predetermined future engine angular position in accord with the predicted engine speed.