The present invention provides a multiple speed automatic transmission having an input member, an output member and four planetary gear assemblies each including a sun gear, a planet gear carrier with a plurality of planet gears and a ring gear. The transmission also includes four friction brakes and two friction clutches. The transmission further includes a plurality of fixed or rigid connections. A first connection couples the ring gear of the first planetary gear assembly to the sun gear of the second planetary gear assembly. A second connection couples the planet gear carrier of the first planetary gear assembly to the planet gear carrier of the second planetary gear assembly. A third connection couples the ring gear of the third planetary gear assembly to the sun gear of the fourth planetary gear assembly. A fourth connection couples the planet gear carrier of the third planetary gear assembly to the planet gear carrier of the fourth planetary gear assembly. A fifth connection couples the ring gear of the second planetary gear assembly to the sun gear of the third planetary gear assembly.