Pontiac Torrent Appears in the Flesh at LA

After showing a sketch and providing scant official details at the California International Auto Show in Anaheim, CA, in October, General Motors Corp. takes the wraps off its ’06 Pontiac Torrent cross/utility vehicle at the 2005 Greater L.A. Auto Show.

“The Torrent broadens Pontiac’s performance parameters by taking them in a whole new direction,” says Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager. “It has the spirited, responsive driving traits of a performance sedan but combines that fun-to-drive character with the capability of an SUV.”

Based on the same platform as the popular Chevrolet Equinox and Saturn Vue CUVs, Torrent is one of the largest vehicles in its class, with a 112.5-in. (285.7 cm) wheelbase. It features a 185-hp 3.4L OHV V-6 engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission that features multiple shift points that adapt to varied load conditions.

Like the Equinox and Vue, the Torrent is available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models. There is almost 8 ins. (20.3 cm) of ground clearance.

’06 Pontiac Torrent

It rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension and 4-link independent rear suspension, with a special tuning package designed to minimize ride oscillation, GM says.

Four-channel antilock brakes are standard on AWD models and optional on FWD models. The brakes consist of vented front discs and rear drums. Traction control is standard on FWD vehicles equipped with the available ABS.

The interior features chrome accents, a sporty 3-spoke steering wheel and a small Torrent badge adorns the center console. The sliding rear seat has 8 ins. (20.3 cm) of travel, which increases cargo space behind the rear seat by almost 5 cu. ft. (0.14 cu. m). The front passenger seat back also folds flat. Total interior volume is 138.6 cu. ft. (3.9 cu. m).

Continuing Pontiac’s new conservative design direction, the Torrent looks calm compared with the Equinox’s scowling face. Headlamps are rectangular, the center portion of the roof and front fascia is raised and there is a dual-port grille. The large, flared fenders house standard 16-in. wheels; 17-in. wheels are available.

The ’06 Torrent is expected to arrive in dealerships in the second half of 2005. It will be built, Ward’s is told, in Ingersoll, Ont., Canada, at the CAMI Automotive Inc. plant, which is a joint venture between GM and Suzuki Motor Corp.

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