A method of providing assistance to an internal combustion engine for a vehicle using an electric motor coupled to the engine is provided. The method comprises selectively operating the motor to provide assistance to the engine at predetermined operating conditions of the engine. During at least a portion of the selective operation, the motor is operated at a higher torque than a continuous operating torque rating for the motor. The electric motor is coupled to a crankshaft of the engine at a first side of the engine and a transmission is coupled to the crankshaft at a second side of the engine opposite the first side of the engine.