Patent ID: 7998023

Claim:
A hybrid vehicle powertrain comprising: an engine; a transmission having: an input member operatively connectable to said engine; an output member for delivering power from said transmission for vehicle propulsion; a motor operatively connectable to said input member and to said output member and capable of supplying torque to said output member for vehicle propulsion; an energy storage device capable of supplying power to and receiving power from said motor; a first input clutch that selectively transmits torque by mechanical friction and is selectively engageable to connect said engine with said input member; a second input clutch that is selectively engageable to connect said engine with said input member; wherein said first input clutch and said second input clutch are configured to be engageable in parallel between said engine and said input member; wherein said first input clutch connects said engine with said input member when said first input clutch is engaged regardless of whether said second input clutch is engaged; wherein selective engagement of said first input clutch permits said motor to power said engine to start said engine; and wherein selective engagement of said second input clutch permits said engine to power said transmission for propulsion.