A method of bypassing an intercooler (105) for an engine (100) includes the step of detecting (703) an idle condition for an engine (100). based on engine speed and load, air is induced (707) to bypass an intercooler (105) for the engine (100) such that air is input to an intake manifold (107) of the engine (100) through an intercooler bypass (115) that excludes the intercooler (105). Improved engine performance on vehicle launch and reduced emissions result.