Transverse type automatic transmission with through lay shaft

An automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle, comprising:

• (a) a fluid torque converter comprising a first rotational power input member and a first rotational power output member, said first rotational power input member and said first rotational power output member both being rotatable about a first axial line;
• (b) a first gear transmission mechanism comprising a second rotational power input member and a second rotational power output member and being selectively controllable to produce any one of a plurality of speed ratios between said second rotational power input member and said second rotatinal power output member, said second rotational power input member and said second rotational power output member both being rotatable about said first axial line, said second rotational power input member being rotationally connected to said first rotational power output member;
• (c) a second gear transmission mechanism comprising a third rotational power input member and a third rotational power output member and being selectively controllable to produce any one of a plurality of speed ratios between said third rotational power input member and said third rotational power output member, said third rotational power input member and said third rotational power output member both being rotatable about a second axial line parallel to said first axial line and displaced laterally therefrom;
• (d) a rotational power transfer mechanism comprising a first gear wheel drivingly connected with said second rotational power output member so as to be rotatable about said first axial line and a second gear wheel drivingly connected with said third rotational power input member so as to be rotatable about said second axial line and which transfers rotational power between said second rotational power output member and said third rotational power input member;
• and
• (e) a through lay shaft which extends along and is rotatable about said second axial line, which is drivingly connected with said third rotational power output member and which passes through said second gear transmission mechanism and said second gear wheel, said second gear wheel being rotatably supported primarily by said through lay shaft.