Torque converter with a lockup mechanism

A torque converter with a main body that transmits power through a fluid, and a lockup mechanism, said lockup mechanism having a lockup clutch capable of being displaced between engaged and released conditions and assuming a slipping state between said engaged and released conditions, said torque converter comprising:

• a first fluid space that receives fluid to bias said lockup clutch toward said engaged condition;
• a second fluid space in fluid communication with said first fluid space within said main body and that receives fluid to bias said lockup clutch toward said released condition;
• and
• a hydraulic control mechanism in fluid communication with said first and second fluid spaces and that changes a flow rate of fluid supplied to a frictional surface on said lockup clutch while maintaining substantially constant a fluid pressure difference between said first and second fluid spaces in order to control said slipping state.