Pontiac G6, Torrent Get GXP Boost at NAIAS

Pontiac sprinkles more horsepower into its range with the Torrent GXP and G6 GXP bowing today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Both ’08 models go on sale in the U.S. this fall.

The Torrent GXP cross/utility vehicle picks up General Motors Corp.’s 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing. The mill is set to deliver 263 hp when aligned with the Hydra-Matic 6T70 6-speed automatic transmission in the Torrent. The CUV’s current 3.4L V-6 achieves 185 hp.

Meanwhile, the G6 will drop the high performance GTP trim in favor of GXP badging, but retains the current 252-hp version of the 3.6L V-6. The car will be offered in both coupe and sedan versions and gets the same 6-speed automatic transmission as the Torrent GXP.

The G6 GXP will come in a “Street” edition, which adds front fascia fog lamps, a braided polished stainless steel upper and outboard lower grille, as well as a scooped hood. It also receives new body side rocker moldings and a redesigned rear fascia with two exhaust openings, chrome-touched tailpipes and a rear spoiler.

The Torrent GXP gets a sculpted hood, a revised front fascia with cooling inlets, deep-set grille inserts and body-colored lower front and rear fascias and rocker moldings.

The trim level changes for both the G6 and the Torrent are part of a larger plan to offer each Pontiac model in base, GT and GXP versions.

The performance entries are Pontiac’s only new offerings at the show. However, the division plans to unveil the rear-drive G8 sedan, a late-’08 replacement for the Grand Prix, at the Chicago Auto Show in February.

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