A motor drive system is provided. The system includes a torque converter for receiving a rotational motion from a source and producing a rotational output, the torque converter having a first body rotatable about a first axis, a plurality of first magnets mounted to the first body, a second body rotatable about a second axis, and a plurality of second magnets mounted to the second body. The system also includes a generator system coupled to the rotational output of the torque converter and producing at least one electrical output; at least one motor drive coupled to an electrical output of the generator system; and an output system coupled to the motor drive. The first magnets are magnetically coupled to the second magnets, and the second body rotates as a result of the magnetic coupling and produces the rotational output.