A transmission includes a housing, an input member connectable to an engine output member, and a launch clutch assembly connected to the input member. A first and a second countershaft are rotatably supported within the transmission housing. A plurality of co-planar gear sets are connected to the input member and the first and second countershafts. A plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms are provided for coupling various components of the co-planar gear sets to the input member and countershafts. The selective engagement of the launch clutch assembly and the torque transmitting mechanisms establishes at least one of six forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio.