of the clutches power is transferred from an output element of gearbox 16 to differential 18 the power may be transferred by means of meshing gears or by means of a chain the transfer may also multiply the torque and reduce the speed by a fixed final drive ratio differential distributes the power to left and right front wheels 20 and 22 allowing slight speed differences as the vehicle turns a corner the torque converter gearbox and differential may collectively be called a transaxle or a transverse transmission a rear wheel drive vehicle powertrain has similar components although the engine torque converter gearbox and differential are located along the vehicle centerline and drive rear wheels 26 and 28 the present invention is applicable to both front wheel drive and rear wheel drive powertrain configurations the engine and gearbox respond to commands from controller 30 the controller sends signals to gearbox 16 to apply particular clutches the controller sends signals to engine 12 indicating what amount of torque to produce controller 30 receives signals from a shift lever 32 an accelerator pedal 34 and a brake pedal 36 the driver moves shift lever 32 among several positions to indicate the desired direction of travel a d position indicates a desire to move forward an r position indicates a desire to move backwards an n position indicates a desire for neutral a.