The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight torque transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections, and two grounded planetary gear members. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The eight torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of at least two to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. In some cases, at least one of the torque transmitting mechanisms can be eliminated to realize five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.