Abstract:
A first clutch and a second clutch, which are operable selectively, control the coupling of the rotor of a reversible electrical machine with the transmission and with the internal combustion engine, respectively. A control system is provided for implementing a stop-start function in which, in a stop stage, the internal combustion engine is disconnected from the electrical machine and from the transmission and is switched off, in first predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle and then, as a result of the occurrence of second operating conditions, such as a command imparted by the driver, in a subsequent start stage, is automatically restarted by means of the electrical machine operating as a motor, and is then reconnected to the transmission. The system is characterized especially by particular methods of controlling the clutches and the electrical machine during the start stage.