A power actuation system for a motor vehicle closure panel includes a motor configured to rotate an input gear member that is configured to rotate an output gear member. The output gear member being coupled with a lever that is coupled to the closure panel. A clutch assembly configured for movement between a lever driving position whereat the lever is caused to pivot in response to rotation of the input gear member and a lever releasing position whereat the lever can pivot independent of the input gear member. The clutch assembly being biased into the lever driving position and having at least one roller configured to move out of a detent of the clutch assembly to move the clutch assembly from the lever driving position to the lever releasing position in response to a force applied to the closure panel.