Abstract: A powertrain assembly for an automotive vehicle having an internal combustion engine, transmission, electric induction motor, a clutch for connecting and releasing the engine and transmission, and a controller for controlling the state of engagement and disengagement of the clutch and the torque produced by the motor during the launch. The engine increases torque produced by the induction motor during a vehicle launch condition, permitting the engine to be turned off when the vehicle is at rest. The torque multiplication that would normally be available from a hydrokinetic torque converter is replaced with auxiliary launch torque supplied by the induction motor.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle driveline includes an internal combustion engine for transmitting input torque to a hydraulically-actuated input clutch, and having a throttle controlled by a displaceable accelerator pedal. A transmission produces multiple gear ratios between the clutch and an output. A method for controlling operation of the clutch includes determining a magnitude of clutch pressure that would produce a torque capacity of the input clutch equal to the current magnitude of input torque; if no transient condition occurs, pressurizing the clutch at a magnitude of pressure that produces a predetermined slip of the input clutch at the current magnitude of input torque; and if a transient condition occurs, holding and/or reducing the determined input clutch pressure such that slip occurs at the input clutch.

Abstract: A powertrain assembly for an automotive vehicle having an internal combustion engine, transmission, electric induction motor, a clutch for connecting and releasing the engine and transmission, and a controller for controlling the state of engagement and disengagement of the clutch and the torque produced by the motor during the launch. The engine increases torque produced by the induction motor during a vehicle launch condition, permitting the engine to be turned off when the vehicle is at rest. The torque multiplication that would normally be available from a hydrokinetic torque converter is replaced with auxiliary launch torque supplied by the induction motor.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting stalling of an engine of a hybrid electric vehicle. The method includes determining whether the engine is running, determining whether a gear ratio of a power transfer unit is selected, starting a timer, and implementing a stall mitigation strategy. The stall mitigation strategy is terminated when a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: A control method and system for a hybrid vehicle powertrain with an electric motor in a power flow path between an internal combustion engine and a multiple-ratio geared transmission. Motor torque, which is added to engine torque to obtain an effective transmission input torque, is modulated to achieve smooth power-on upshifts and coasting downshifts.

Abstract: A method for controlling a wheel drive system of a hybrid electric vehicle when starting a power source. The hybrid electric vehicle includes first and second power sources, a motor, and a power transfer unit adapted to drive a vehicle wheel. The method includes determining whether the first power source is to be started, determining whether a level of torque requested by a vehicle operator is greater than a threshold value, maintaining a current gear ratio if the threshold value is exceeded, and providing a target level of torque to the power transfer unit.