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Pontiac Unveils New Compact SUV at California Auto Show

Pontiac Torrent Expected to Deliver SUV Capability and Performance Car Driving Dynamics

Ever heard of the California International Auto Show? The Anaheim-based event is not exactly revered at the same level as the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the annual auto show in Chicago or for that matter the Los Angeles auto show just down the road, but nevertheless its large surrounding population of car crazy Southern Californians attracted the biggest automaker in the business to debut three new models there.

Top of the list was the upcoming 2006 Hummer H3, the Chevy Colorado based SUV destined to bring younger buyers to the 4x4 brand. Also

General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz introduces the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, as an artists rendering of the new 2006 Pontiac Torrent is projected behind him at the 2004 California International Auto Show in Anaheim, California. (Photo: Joe Polimeni, General Motors)

shown were two Pontiacs, the V8-powered 2005 Grand Prix GXP, which is a sportier version of Pontiacs near full-size performance sedan, and something completely unique, the 2006 Pontiac Torrent.

The Torrent, expected to replace the unloved Aztek as Pontiacs only compact sport utility, appears to be nothing less than a slightly modified Chevy Equinox.

The Torrent, a slightly modified Chevy Equinox, will replace the Aztek as Pontiacs only SUV. (Photo: General Motors)

This is no bad thing, however, as the Equinox delivers top-tier compact class driving-dynamics as well as tremendous interior room.

The Pontiac version will receive the requisite bisected grille, a monochromatic paint scheme, sporty large-diameter 5-spoke alloy wheels, unique interior styling cues and upgraded materials, plus a sportier suspension setup that is said to deliver SUV-like "utility and capability without sacrificing the precision handling characteristics normally associated with a performance car."

On that theme the Equinox rides on a traditional MacPherson strut front suspension matched

"The Torrent adds a degree of flexibility and spaciousness designed to meet the needs of owners with active lifestyles," said Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager. (Photo: General Motors)

up to an independent 4-link, coil sprung rear suspension. While not as off-road biased as the old Tracker that uses a solid rear axle, actually preferred by 4x4 purists, the new model is much more enjoyable to drive on pavement, where it and the Torrent will spend the majority of their time.

"The Torrent represents a new dimension of Pontiacs commitment to total performance," said Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager. "Along with a spirited powertrain and a crisp handling package rarely seen in a compact SUV, the Torrent adds a degree of flexibility and spaciousness designed to meet the needs of owners with active lifestyles."

The Torrent will feature the same 185 horsepower 3.4-liter V6 that comes standard in the Equinox, and be available in both front- and all-wheel

Its easy to see the similarities between the Torrent and the Equinox when comparing this photo to the one above. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

drive configurations. While the engine output is not top-of-class, it is mated to a world-class 5-speed automatic transmission that results in impressive 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway fuel economy.

While the Anaheim show was the first to get the announcement, the Los Angeles show in January 2005 will be the first to see the vehicle in the metal. Pricing will be announced closer to its production date which is scheduled to be in the fall of next year. Most likely the Torrent will be built alongside the Equinox at the CAMI Automotive, Inc. facility in Ingersoll, Ontario, a joint venture between GM of Canada, Ltd. and Suzuki Motor Corp. of Japan.

The 2006 Torrent will finalize what will have been an important year for Pontiac. Following up on the new G6, a model that raises GMs sportiest brand into a new level of interior quality, 2005 will see the V8-powered Grand Prix GXP arrive on the scene, joined soon after by the G6 coupe, Solstice roadster, and G6 convertible.

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