Patent ID: 8167771

Claim:
A method of controlling an automatic shifting power transmission coupled to an engine, the automatic shifting power transmission having a fluid coupling device, at least one first gear reaction clutch disposed in series with the fluid coupling device, wherein an electric machine is disposed in series with the fluid coupling device and the at least one first gear reaction clutch, and a lock-up clutch disposed in parallel with the fluid coupling device, the method comprising: energizing the electric machine when the automatic shifting power transmission is in a first gear launch to provide additional torque to the at least one first gear reaction clutch; partially engaging the at least one first gear reaction clutch when engine load is at or above a first predetermined value to effect the first gear launch; fully engaging the at least one first gear reaction clutch when engine load is below a second predetermined value; and engaging the first gear reaction clutch and fully disengaging the lock-up clutch when the load on the primary engine is between the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value.