A
hybrid vehicle drive
system including (a) an engine, (b) an
electric motor, (c) a planetary gear device having a first rotary element connected to the engine, a second rotary element connected to the
electric motor and connected through a first
clutch to an output member connected to vehicle
drive wheel, and a third rotary element connected through a second
clutch to the output member, (d) a forward-motor-drive control device for engaging the first
clutch and releasing the second clutch to thereby establish a forward
motor drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in a forward direction by the
electric motor, (e) a forward-engine-drive control device for engaging at least the second clutch to establish an engine-drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in the forward direction by the engine, and (f) a second-
clutch control device operable upon switching of a vehicle drive mode from the forward
motor drive mode to the forward engine drive mode, for engaging the second clutch only after the engine speed has exceeded the
motor speed.