Pontiac Torrent

The Pontiac Torrent is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by General Motors for the 2006 to 2009 model years. A replacement for the Aztek, it was a mildly restyled version of the first-generation Chevrolet Equinox.

Pontiac Torrent
2007 Pontiac Torrent
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Production2005–September 2, 2009
Model years2006–2009
AssemblyCanada: Ingersoll, Ontario (CAMI Automotive)
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size crossover SUV
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutTransverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
PlatformGM Theta platform/GMT191
RelatedChevrolet Equinox
Saturn Vue
Opel Antara
Suzuki XL-7
Powertrain
Engine3.4 L (204 CID)[1] LNJ V6
3.6 L (217 CID)[1] LY7 V6
TransmissionAisin AF33 5-speed automatic
GM 6T70 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase112.5 in (2,858 mm)
Length188.8 in (4,796 mm)
Width71.4 in (1,814 mm)
Height69.3 in (1,760 mm)
Chronology
PredecessorPontiac Aztek
SuccessorGMC Terrain
Buick Envision
Rear view

The Torrent shared its basic body structure and mechanicals with the Equinox. However, the Torrent has a different front and rear end to distinguish it visually from the Equinox. The suspension was also modified to be firmer and sportier, and the electronic power steering was recalibrated to deliver a firmer, less artificial feel. The Torrent shared the Equinox's 185 hp (138 kW; 188 PS) 3.4 L V6 with the 5-Speed Aisin AF33 automatic transmission.

Like other Pontiac models in the lineup, trim levels of the Torrent were entry-level Base, mid-level GT, and performance-oriented GXP. The GXP featured a more powerful 3.6L DOHC SFI V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, along with a unique body kit and other exterior styling cues.

The Pontiac Torrent was featured as one of the prizes in the reality television series Survivor in 2005 as well as Criss Angel Mindfreak in the same year.

GXP
2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP

The GXP trim came with a new 6 speed automatic transmission (with Manual Tap Up/Down shifting capability) paired to a 3.6 L DOHC SFI V6 with 264 hp (197 kW; 268 PS) engine, (with a reported 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds). Other features include: 18 inch 5-spoke chrome wheels, twin hood scoops, and a unique front and rear body kit. The GXP edition Torrent is 188.80 inches (4,796 mm) long overall, 71.40 inches (1,814 mm) wide, and 68.30 inches (1,735 mm) tall. The GXP Torrent sits 1 inch (25 mm) lower to the ground and has 6.6 inches (170 mm) of ground clearance. The lower stance is accented by the 18 inch wheels and the absent roof rack, giving the Torrent a smoother design flow compared to the standard Torrent. The GXP model also features a performance-tuned suspension, hydraulic power-assisted steering (as opposed to the electric power-assisted standard Torrent), improved interior trim (featuring piano black and chrome trim on the console and dash gauges), dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and GXP specific gauges and console trim. A navigation system is an option along with heated sport leather seats, DVD entertainment system, and Sunroof. The GXP became available for sale in the fall of 2007 as a 2008 model.

General Motors has repeatedly advertised the Torrent GXP on TV commercials claiming that the Torrent GXP had more of a horsepower advantage than the BMW X3 in an effort for GM to make Pontiac a low-cost rival to BMW.[2]

Podium Edition

2008 Pontiac Torrent Podium Edition at the
Montreal Auto Show

For the 2008 model year, the Torrent got the Podium Edition trim for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The Torrent Podium Edition was only sold in Canada.

Discontinuation

The Pontiac Torrent was discontinued after the 2009 model year. The last Torrent rolled off the assembly line on September 2, 2009 as a result of General Motors discontinuing the Pontiac division in 2010. Originally, a new Buick SUV built on the GM Theta platform was going to be introduced in 2010 to serve as a replacement for the Torrent, but General Motors decided to replace the Torrent with a new GMC SUV built on the GM Theta platform called the GMC Terrain, which went on sale in 2009 for the 2010 model year.

Engines
Years Engine Power Torque
2006–20073.4 L LNJ V6185 hp (138 kW)210 lb·ft (285 N·m)
2008–20093.6 L LY7 V6264 hp (197 kW)250 lb·ft (339 N·m)

Sales
Calendar year Sales (US)
2005 10,303[3]
2006 43,174[4]
2007 32,644[4]
2008 20,625[5]
2009 9,638
Total 116,375

References
  1. "2008 Pontiac Torrent" (Press release). GM. August 1, 2007.
  2. Gavigan, Sarah (4 June 2009). "Pontiac Torrent "Local" ad". YouTube. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
  3. "GM Reports 392,041 Deliveries in December" (Press release). GM. January 4, 2006.
  4. "GM Reports 323,453 December Deliveries; 3.87 Million Vehicles Sold in 2007" (Press release). GM. January 3, 2008.
  5. "Deliveries December 09" (XLS). media.gm.com/content. Retrieved 2010-04-02.
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