A powertrain for a vehicle is provided having an engine, a transmission, a torque transfer mechanism, a hydraulic fluid circuit, and a transmission control module. The torque transfer mechanism includes a hydraulic fluid pump and is drivingly connected to an output member of the engine and an output member of the torque transfer mechanism is drivingly connected to the input member of the transmission. The hydraulic fluid circuit has a hydraulic valve in communication with the first fluid port of the hydraulic fluid pump. The transmission control module include a control logic for operating the powertrain during a vehicle launch event.