Multi-speed transmission having three planetary gear sets

1. A transmission comprising:

an input member;

an output member;

first, second and third planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members;

a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the second member of the first planetary gear set with the first member of the second planetary gear set;

a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the third member of the first planetary gear set with the second member of the second planetary gear set;

a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the first member of the second planetary gear set with the first member of the third planetary gear set;

a fourth interconnecting member continuously connected to the third member of the second planetary gear set;

a fifth interconnecting member continuously connected to the third member of the third planetary gear set; and

four torque transmitting mechanisms each selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the first, second, and third members with at least one other of the first, second, third members and a stationary member,

wherein the torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member, and

wherein a first of the four torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the fourth interconnecting member with the fifth interconnecting member.

2. The transmission of claim 1 wherein a second of the four torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the third member of the second planetary gear set with the second member of the third planetary gear set.

3. The transmission of claim 2 wherein a third of the four torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the first member of the first planetary gear set with the stationary member.

4. The transmission of claim 3 wherein a fourth of the four torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the third member of the first planetary gear set and the second member of the second planetary gear set with the stationary member.

5. The transmission of claim 1 wherein the input member is continuously connected for common rotation with the third member of the third planetary gear set.

6. The transmission of claim 1 wherein the output member is continuously connected for common rotation with the second member of the third planetary gear set.

7. A transmission comprising:

an input member;

an output member;

first, second and third planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members;

a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the second member of the first planetary gear set with the first member of the second planetary gear set;

a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the third member of the first planetary gear set with the second member of the second planetary gear set;

a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the first member of the second planetary gear set with the first member of the third planetary gear set; and

four torque transmitting mechanisms each selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the first, second, and third members with at least one other of the first, second, third members and a stationary member,

wherein the torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member, and

wherein the first member of the first planetary gear set, the third member of the second planetary gear set and the third member of the third planetary gear set are sun gears, the second members of the first, second and third planetary gear sets are carrier members and the third member of the first planetary gear set, the first member of the second planetary gear set and the first member of the third planetary gear set are ring gears.

8. A transmission comprising:

first, second and third planetary gear sets each having a sun gear, a carrier member and a ring gear;

an input member continuously connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the third planetary gear set;

an output member continuously connected for common rotation with the carrier member of the third planetary gear set;

a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the carrier member of the first planetary gear set with the ring gear of the second planetary gear set;

a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the ring gear of the first planetary gear set with the carrier member of the second planetary gear set;

a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the ring gear of the second planetary gear set with the ring gear of the third planetary gear set;

a first torque transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect the sun gear of the second planetary gear set with the sun gear of the third planetary gear set

a second torque transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect the sun gear of the second planetary gear set with the carrier member of the third planetary gear set;

a third torque transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect the sun gear of the first planetary gear set with the stationary member; and

a fourth torque transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect the ring gear of the first planetary gear set and the second member of the second planetary gear set with the stationary member, and

wherein the torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.