Patent ID: 8123647

Claim:
A transaxle for transferring torque to first and second axle shafts, comprising: a main shaft; a planetary gearset; a first clutch operable to transfer torque between the main shaft and a first member of the planetary gearset; a second clutch operable to transfer torque between the main shaft and a second member of the planetary gearset; an input shaft fixed for rotation with the first member of the planetary gearset; a countershaft; first, second, third and fourth speed gearsets disposed between the input shaft and the countershaft; and a final drive unit driven by the countershaft and including a differential assembly adapted to drive the first and second axle shafts, wherein actuation of the first and second clutches selectively provides first through eighth discrete forward drive ratios such that each of the first, second, third and fourth speed gearsets transfers torque during provision of two of the first through eighth forward drive ratios.