A powertrain includes a power transmission having an input shaft
continuously connected directly between an engine and a planetary gear
member of a first planetary gearset. Another member of the planetary
gearset is selectively grounded by a torque transmitting mechanism to
establish a reaction member during the launch of a vehicle incorporating
the powertrain. The reaction member is established during both the lowest
forward drive ratio and the reverse drive ratio. A third member of the
planetary gearset transmits the torque from the input shaft, as modified
by the planetary gearset, to other planetary gearsets in down stream
power flow arrangement with the first planetary gearset.