A multi-speed automatic transmission includes an input, an output, a first gear unit drivable connected to the input and including a component rotating at the speed of the input and a first gear unit output, the first gear unit producing a gear ratio of a speed of the input and a speed of the first gear unit output, a planetary gear unit including a modified Simpson gearset, the gear unit being secured to first, second, third, fourth and fifth rotating members, the fifth member being secured to the output for rotation therewith, a first clutch being operable to connect the first rotating member and the first gear unit output, a second clutch being operable to connect the second rotating member and the first gear unit output, a third clutch being operable to connect the third rotating member and an element rotating at a speed of the input, a fourth clutch being operable to connect the fourth rotating member and said element rotating at the speed of the input, a first brake being operable to hold the fourth rotating member against rotation, and a second brake being operable to hold the third rotating member against rotation.