Abstract: A system (40) for starting an internal combustion engine (12) of an automotive vehicle (10) has a controller (54) coupled to a starter/generator (42). The engine (12) has a crankshaft (50) and an engine accessory assembly that includes an electric motor (76) and a clutch (74). The controller (54) initiates the rotation of the crankshaft (50) with the starter/generator (42) and the electric motor (76) engaged to the crankshaft through the clutch (74), simultaneously. The controller (54) starts the engine (12) when the crankshaft (50) reaches a predetermined speed.