The modeling, parameters identification, and linear and nonlinear feedback control designs of an electronic throttle control (ETC) system is considered. A commercially available ETC system made by Bosch is selected for our investigation. The unknown parameters identified are used in designing linear and nonlinear controllers. Simulations and extensive experiments were conducted. A real-time linear controller was implemented with the xPC Target. The ETC model is then extended to a separately excited nonlinear dc motor model. The nonlinear controller is designed using the input-output feedback linearization technique; the extension proves to be of solid theoretical value. The results presented in this paper can be considered as an interesting and important case study encompassing system modeling, parameters identification, linear and nonlinear controller designs, and real-time control. The techniques and methodology developed are applicable to similar and/or other types of systems. ©2007 IEEE.