A transmission includes an input member, an output member, an intermediate shaft, and a simple planetary gear set, all of which are coaxial. A first and a second layshaft are arranged to define a second axis of rotation and a third axis of rotation, respectively. The transmission has five sets of intermeshing gears, some of which are arranged to transfer torque from the input member to the layshafts, and others of which are arranged to transfer torque from the layshafts to the intermediate member or the simple planetary gear set. The transmission has eight torque-transmitting mechanisms, including one torque-transmitting mechanism that is selectively engagable to connect the input member for common rotation with the intermediate member. The other seven torque-transmitting mechanisms are each selectively engagable to connect a different respective gear of the sets of intermeshing gears to a respective one of the layshafts or to a stationary member.