Pontiac Torrent

Last updated
Pontiac Torrent
Pontiac Torrent -- 08-28-2009.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer General Motors
Also called Chevrolet Equinox
Production2005 – September 2009
Model years 2006–2009
AssemblyCanada: Ingersoll, Ontario (CAMI Automotive)
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size crossover SUV
Body style 5-door SUV
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform GM Theta platform/GMT192
Related Saturn Vue
Opel Antara
Suzuki XL-7
Powertrain
Engine 3.4 L (204 CID) [1] LNJ V6
3.6 L (217 CID) [1] LY7 V6
Transmission Aisin AF33 5-speed automatic
GM 6T70 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 112.5 in (2,858 mm)
Length188.8 in (4,796 mm)
Width71.4 in (1,814 mm)
Height69.3 in (1,760 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor Pontiac Aztek
Successor GMC Terrain
Buick Envision

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. 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.

Contents

Design

Rear view 2007 Pontiac Torrent, Rear Left, 09-25-2020.jpg
Rear view

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 3.6-liter DOHC SFI V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, along with a unique body kit and other exterior styling cues.

GXP

2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP 2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP.jpg
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).[ citation needed ] 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

Pontiac Torrent Podium Edition '08 Pontiac Torrent Podium Edition (Montreal).JPG
Pontiac Torrent Podium Edition

For the 2008 model year, the Torrent received the Podium Edition trim to coincide with the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The Torrent Podium Edition was exclusive to the Canadian market.

Discontinuation

The Pontiac Torrent was discontinued after the 2009 model year. The last Torrent was manufactured on September 2, 2009 as a result of General Motors discontinuing the Pontiac division in 2010.[ citation needed ] 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

YearsEnginePowerTorque
2006–20093.4  L LNJ V6 185  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 yearSales (US)
200510,303 [3]
200643,174 [4]
200732,644 [4]
200820,625 [5]
20099,638
Total116,375

Related Research Articles

GMC is a division of American automotive manufacturer General Motors (GM) for trucks and utility vehicles. GMC currently makes SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and light-duty trucks. In the past, GMC also produced fire trucks, ambulances, heavy-duty trucks, military vehicles, motorhomes, transit buses, and medium duty trucks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac G6</span> Motor vehicle

The Pontiac G6 is a mid-size car that was produced by General Motors under the Pontiac brand. It was introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year to replace the Grand Am.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac Solstice</span> Two seat sports car model

The Pontiac Solstice is a sports car that was produced by Pontiac. Introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the Solstice roadster began production in Wilmington, Delaware, starting in mid-2005 for the 2006 model year. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4 L I4 engine, producing 177 hp (132 kW) and 166 lb⋅ft (225 N⋅m) of torque. The exterior styling of the production Solstice is similar to that of the 2002 Solstice concept that preceded it. Production of the Solstice was to be running before summer 2005, but delays at the Wilmington plant pushed volume production to the fourth quarter. The new hardtop targa top 2009 model was announced in mid-2008. The Solstice uses the GM Kappa platform, which also underpins the Saturn Sky, Opel GT, and Daewoo G2X. It was the brand's first two-seater since the Pontiac Fiero was discontinued in 1988.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac Grand Prix</span> Automobile model made by Pontiac

The Grand Prix is a line of automobiles produced by the Pontiac Division of General Motors from 1962 until 2002 as coupes and from 1989 through 2008 model years as four-door sedans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saturn Vue</span> American compact crossover SUV

The Saturn Vue is a compact SUV that was sold and built by Saturn, and it was Saturn's best-selling model. It was the first vehicle to use the GM Theta platform when it was introduced in 2001 for the 2002 model year. The Vue was later facelifted for the 2006 model year. A second generation model was launched in 2007 for the 2008 model year as a rebadged Opel Antara. The Vue production in North America ended as GM wound down the Saturn brand during its 2009 reorganization.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">General Motors 60° V6 engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The General Motors 60° V6 engine family is a series of 60° V6 engines produced for both longitudinal and transverse applications. All of these engines are 12-valve cam-in-block or overhead valve engines, except for the LQ1 which uses 24 valves driven by dual overhead cams. These engines vary in displacement between 2.8 and 3.4 litres and have a cast-iron block and either cast-iron or aluminum heads. Production of these engines began in 1980 and ended in 2005 in the U.S., with production continued in China until 2010. This engine family was the basis for the GM High Value engine family. These engines have also been referred to as the X engines as they were first used in the X-body cars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buick Rendezvous</span> Motor vehicle

The Buick Rendezvous is a mid-size crossover SUV that was sold by Buick for the 2002–2007 model years. Introduced in the spring of 2001, the Buick Rendezvous and its corporate cousin, the Pontiac Aztek, were GM's first entries into the crossover SUV segment. The Rendezvous featured a four-speed automatic transmission with a V6 engine and optional all-wheel-drive (Versatrak). The SUV used the same platform as GM's short-wheelbase minivans, the Chevrolet Venture and Pontiac Montana. The Rendezvous provided a passenger- and load-carrying capacity not seen in the Buick lineup since the discontinuation of the Buick Roadmaster Estate station wagon in 1996.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Suburban</span> Series of American full-size automobiles by General Motors

The Chevrolet Suburban is a series of SUVs built by Chevrolet since the 1935 model year. The longest-used automobile nameplate in the world, the Chevrolet Suburban is currently in its twelfth generation, introduced for 2021. Beginning life as one of the first metal-bodied station wagons, the Suburban is the progenitor of the modern full-size SUV, combining a wagon-style body with the chassis and powertrain of a pickup truck. Alongside its Advance Design, Task Force, and C/K predecessors, the Chevrolet Silverado currently shares chassis and mechanical commonality with the Suburban and other trucks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Colorado</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet Colorado, are a series of compact pickup trucks marketed by American automaker General Motors. They were introduced in 2004 to replace the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC S-15/Sonoma compact pickups. The Colorado is named after the U.S. state of Colorado, while the Canyon would be the deep chasm between cliffs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Equinox</span> American compact crossover SUV

The Chevrolet Equinox is a crossover SUV introduced by Chevrolet in 2004 for the 2005 model year. It was intended to be a replacement for the North American Chevrolet Tracker and Chevrolet S-10 Blazer. The third-generation Equinox also replaced the first-generation Chevrolet Captiva.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">General Motors Theta platform</span> Motor vehicle platform

Theta is General Motors' automobile platform for compact/mid-size crossover SUVs. The architecture debuted in 2002 with the Saturn Vue and was later used for the Chevrolet Equinox and Captiva and similar models.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cadillac SRX</span> Motor vehicle

The Cadillac SRX is a mid-size luxury SUV and compact luxury crossover SUV (CUV) manufactured and marketed by Cadillac over two generations: the first generation as a five-door, three-row, seven-passenger CUV (2003–2009), and the second generation as a five-door, two-row, five-passenger CUV (2010–2016) – the latter becoming Cadillac's best selling model in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac Grand Am</span> Motor vehicle

The Pontiac Grand Am is a car model that was produced by Pontiac in various years between 1973 and 2005. Produced as a RWD mid-size car on the LeMans GM A platform in its first two generations, the Grand Am name was reused for a FWD compact car for its last three generations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Opel Antara</span> German compact crossover SUV

The Opel Antara is a compact crossover SUV which was marketed by Opel from 2006 to 2015. Based on the Theta platform, the Antara closely shared its underpinnings and powertrains with the Chevrolet Captiva. However, it only offered five seats instead of seven, and features a different exterior and interior design. Sales commenced in November 2006, as the indirect successor to the Isuzu-based Frontera range.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GMC Acadia</span> Motor vehicle manufactured by General Motors

The GMC Acadia is a crossover SUV manufactured by General Motors for its GMC division. The first-generation GMC Acadia shared the GM Lambda platform with the Saturn Outlook, the Chevrolet Traverse, and the Buick Enclave. The Acadia went on sale in 2006 as a 2007 model in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Acadia replaces three of the 7- or 8-seater vehicles on the Buick-Pontiac–GMC dealership network, the midsize GMC Safari van, the GMC Envoy, and the Pontiac Montana SV6 minivan for the domestic market. As of 2009, the Lambda vehicles have replaced the Buick Rainier, Buick Rendezvous, Buick Terraza, and the GMC Envoy XL and then subsequently the GMC Envoy, Chevrolet TrailBlazer and the Isuzu Ascender. A Denali version of the Acadia debuted for 2011. In 2017, the second generation Acadia was repositioned as a mid-size crossover utility vehicle in order to compete within the growing midsize SUV market against the likes of the Ford Explorer, Edge, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buick Enclave</span> American Full-size Crossover SUV

The Buick Enclave is a three-row full-size crossover SUV produced by General Motors since 2007. It was previewed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, officially as a concept car, making it the first Lambda vehicle to be displayed. The Enclave is partially based on the Buick Centieme concept shown at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Suzuki XL-7</span> Motor vehicle

The Suzuki XL-7 is a mid-size SUV sold by Suzuki from 1998 to 2009, over two generations. Slotted above the Grand Vitara in Suzuki's lineup, the XL-7 offered three-row seating. XL-7 stands for "Xtra Large 7-seater".

The GM–Ford 6-speed automatic transmission is an automatic transaxle originally designed for transverse engine applications in cars. With design work having begun in 2002, General Motors and Ford Motor Company jointly committed to investing US$720 million in their manufacturing plants to support the new transmission.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Traverse</span> American full-size crossover SUV

The Chevrolet Traverse is a full-size crossover SUV with three-row seating built by General Motors. It is built on the same platform as the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, known as the Lambda platform for first generation, and the C1XX for second generation. It also shares the C1XX platform with the Cadillac XT6. It is the successor to the TrailBlazer body-on-frame SUV and the Uplander minivan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GMC Terrain</span> Motor vehicle manufactured by General Motors

The GMC Terrain is a crossover SUV by American manufacturer General Motors under its GMC marque. Sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Equinox, the first-generation Terrain was built on GM's Theta platform, while the second-generation model is currently built on the Delta platform. The Terrain is the smallest GMC vehicle, slotted below the Acadia. It also indirectly replaced the Pontiac Torrent which was typically sold via the same dealerships prior to General Motors dropping the Pontiac brand.

References

  1. 1 2 "2008 Pontiac Torrent" (Press release). GM. August 1, 2007.
  2. Gavigan, Sarah (4 June 2009). "Pontiac Torrent "Local" ad". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-22. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
  3. "GM Reports 392,041 Deliveries in December" (Press release). GM. January 4, 2006.
  4. 1 2 "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.