A vehicle driveline includes a multi-speed transmission that has four planetary gear sets having continuous interconnections and five torque-transmitting mechanisms selectively engagable to establish eight forward and at least one reverse speed ratio between the transmission input member and the transmission output member. The transmission input and output members define an axis of rotation parallel to an axis of rotation of an engine output member that drives the transmission. At least one rotatable element transfers torque from the engine output member to the transmission input member. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are packaged in different ones of six possible zones within the transmission casing. An additional, final drive planetary gear set and a differential mechanism are also included in the driveline.