Pontiac Torrent News **GXP Edition Unveiled (page 3)**
04-25-2004, 10:58 PM
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Pontiac Torrent News **GXP Edition Unveiled (page 3)**
General Motors has registered the name
TORRENT for the USA and Canada.
This is supposed to be a Pontiac Crossover.
TORRENT for the USA and Canada.
This is supposed to be a Pontiac Crossover.
04-26-2004, 09:56 AM
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Pontiac names new wagon Torrent - - By AUTOMOTIVE NEWS - - By RICK KRANZ - - Source: Automotive News
Pontiac has chosen the name Torrent for a new sport wagon coming next year, industry sources say.
The 2006 model-year vehicle will be based on General Motors' Theta platform, which is shared by the Chevrolet Equinox and Saturn Vue. Front- and all-wheel-drive models are expected.
GM North America President Gary Cowger said the Pontiac vehicle will not be a rebadged Vue or Equinox.
Said Cowger: "It has good differentiation in styling, ride, handling and interior."
Pontiac has chosen the name Torrent for a new sport wagon coming next year, industry sources say.
The 2006 model-year vehicle will be based on General Motors' Theta platform, which is shared by the Chevrolet Equinox and Saturn Vue. Front- and all-wheel-drive models are expected.
GM North America President Gary Cowger said the Pontiac vehicle will not be a rebadged Vue or Equinox.
Said Cowger: "It has good differentiation in styling, ride, handling and interior."
04-26-2004, 09:58 AM
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This is perfect. This shows how usefull, for automotive news enthusiasts, is to keep up with the patent/trademark office to see what names manufacturers register, when and for which countries.
I saw the above name registered by GM and next day, I read an article about it on Autoweek. Beautiful
I saw the above name registered by GM and next day, I read an article about it on Autoweek. Beautiful
04-26-2004, 12:48 PM
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GM continues to impress me with it's use of platforms, and truly engineering them to be different cars/trucks instead of just a rebadge. If this is it's own vehicle and not just a rebadge that's a great step foward.
04-26-2004, 03:43 PM
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Originally posted by titan
GM continues to impress me with it's use of platforms, and truly engineering them to be different cars/trucks instead of just a rebadge. If this is it's own vehicle and not just a rebadge that's a great step foward.
GM continues to impress me with it's use of platforms, and truly engineering them to be different cars/trucks instead of just a rebadge. If this is it's own vehicle and not just a rebadge that's a great step foward.
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10-27-2004, 10:02 PM
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Torrent to be new Pontiac ute - - By BOB GRITZINGER - - Source: Autoweek
Pontiac also announced its plans for a new sport utility vehicle, the 2006 Pontiac Torrent, at theAnaheim show. Slated to hit showrooms next fall, the Torrent will be powered by a 185 horsepower, 3.4-liter V6 in either a front-wheel or all-wheel-drive configurations. The first public showing of the Torrent is scheduled for the Los Angeles Auto Show in January.
10-27-2004, 10:40 PM
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The front is different enough from the Equinox, but they have to work on the back to differentiate it more. I wish they'd give it that huge Panaramic roof like the G6, or something, so the two aren't ssooo much alike. I don't know how cost feasible it is... but still.
10-28-2004, 12:48 PM
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Well, Pontiac HAS TO make up in some way for inflicting the Aztec on the public. 
10-28-2004, 06:13 PM
#15
The sizzle in the Steak
Pure Crap!
10-28-2004, 10:52 PM
#17
TQ > MPG
Originally Posted by charliemike
Not too bad but the Equinox/Torrent have some issues that need to be addressed ... like the thrashy drivetrain.
You're probably thinking of the I-5 in the Colorado. The 3.4L V6 is not known for being rough. Its not the most advanced engine ever, but its been in everything from their minivans to the lumina, and its relatively reliable.
10-28-2004, 10:55 PM
#18
Looks better than the bug-eyed Chevrolet version.
11-10-2004, 12:06 AM
#20
The Oracle of Acurazine!
Pontiac takes another swing at SUV market
sorry if this is a repost
http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosins...b01-318205.htm
http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosins...b01-318205.htm
NAHEIM, Calif. - Pontiac, synonymous with cars for years, is set to take another crack at the booming SUV market.
And General Motors Corp. hopes the new Torrent sport utility vehicle will go where the Aztek failed to climb - up the sales charts.
The 2006 Torrent, which hits showrooms next fall, is a small SUV based on the same structural underpinnings as the Chevrolet Equinox. GM released a sketch of the vehicle Wednesday at the California International Auto Show. The first public showing of the vehicle will be in January at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Pricing hasn't yet been set.
The Torrent will join the new G6 sedan and Montana minivan as important high-volume newcomers to Pontiac's lineup.
"Pontiac is a brand on its way back," said Robert Lutz, chairman of GM North America.
Of course, GM execs have predicted Pontiac revivals in the past only to see sales stall.
The last time Pontiac ventured into the SUV segment, it landed with a thud with the widely panned Aztek.
The Torrent isn't nearly as large, or extreme, and its basic design has already been validated in the marketplace with the success of the Equinox.
"The Torrent will give Pontiac a formidable offering," said Joe Barker, an analyst with Farmington Hills-based consultants CSM Worldwide. "It is everything the Aztek was not."
Some analysts speculate the Torrent provides GM the opportunity to phase out the Aztek. While Lutz conceded the Aztek has "been a volume disappointment," he wouldn't speculate on its future.
The Torrent will be built at GM's joint venture plant in Ingersol, Ontario, alongside the Equinox. And it will use the same Chinese-built 185 horsepower, 3.4 liter V-6 engine that powers the Equinox. The Torrent will be available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive and its suspension will be tuned for the tighter handling characteristic of Pontiacs.
In addition to Torrent, Pontiac also plans to market the Grand Prix GXP. It joins the Bonneville GXP as the second in the souped-up Pontiac series for high-performance enthusiasts. The front-wheel drive Grand Prix GXP features a 290 horsepower, V-8 engine with displacement on-demand technology. It allows the engine to run on either 4 or 8 cylinders depending on the need for power, providing an estimated 12 percent fuel economy improvement.
It's the first Grand Prix with a V-8 engine since 1987 and can hustle from 0 to 60 mph in just six seconds.
"It's an everyday driver for the enthusiast," Pontiac vehicle line executive Dave Whitaker said.
Among the features setting it apart from the conventional Grand Prix are a GXP-specific monochromatic exterior, 18-inch forged aluminum wheels, and a Hydra-Matic four-speed electronically controlled transmission with tap shift.
Pontiac is showing renewed vigor after several weak years. U.S. sales are up 7.3 percent this year from a year ago, primarily on the strength of two passenger cars - the Grand Prix and Vibe.
GM hopes Pontiac will benefit from an enhanced portfolio and the introduction this fall of the G6 sedan and Montana SV6 minivan, and next year's Grand Prix GXP, Torrent and two-seat convertible Solstice.
But it's the Torrent that has the potential to give GM's performance brand the biggest kick, says Jeffrey Schuster, head of global forecasting for J.D. Power and Associates.
"It's the right type of product for the brand," said Schuster. "It's a product that should do well in conjunction with Pontiac's other launches."
The Grand Prix GXP goes into production during the first quarter of 2005.
And General Motors Corp. hopes the new Torrent sport utility vehicle will go where the Aztek failed to climb - up the sales charts.
The 2006 Torrent, which hits showrooms next fall, is a small SUV based on the same structural underpinnings as the Chevrolet Equinox. GM released a sketch of the vehicle Wednesday at the California International Auto Show. The first public showing of the vehicle will be in January at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Pricing hasn't yet been set.
The Torrent will join the new G6 sedan and Montana minivan as important high-volume newcomers to Pontiac's lineup.
"Pontiac is a brand on its way back," said Robert Lutz, chairman of GM North America.
Of course, GM execs have predicted Pontiac revivals in the past only to see sales stall.
The last time Pontiac ventured into the SUV segment, it landed with a thud with the widely panned Aztek.
The Torrent isn't nearly as large, or extreme, and its basic design has already been validated in the marketplace with the success of the Equinox.
"The Torrent will give Pontiac a formidable offering," said Joe Barker, an analyst with Farmington Hills-based consultants CSM Worldwide. "It is everything the Aztek was not."
Some analysts speculate the Torrent provides GM the opportunity to phase out the Aztek. While Lutz conceded the Aztek has "been a volume disappointment," he wouldn't speculate on its future.
The Torrent will be built at GM's joint venture plant in Ingersol, Ontario, alongside the Equinox. And it will use the same Chinese-built 185 horsepower, 3.4 liter V-6 engine that powers the Equinox. The Torrent will be available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive and its suspension will be tuned for the tighter handling characteristic of Pontiacs.
In addition to Torrent, Pontiac also plans to market the Grand Prix GXP. It joins the Bonneville GXP as the second in the souped-up Pontiac series for high-performance enthusiasts. The front-wheel drive Grand Prix GXP features a 290 horsepower, V-8 engine with displacement on-demand technology. It allows the engine to run on either 4 or 8 cylinders depending on the need for power, providing an estimated 12 percent fuel economy improvement.
It's the first Grand Prix with a V-8 engine since 1987 and can hustle from 0 to 60 mph in just six seconds.
"It's an everyday driver for the enthusiast," Pontiac vehicle line executive Dave Whitaker said.
Among the features setting it apart from the conventional Grand Prix are a GXP-specific monochromatic exterior, 18-inch forged aluminum wheels, and a Hydra-Matic four-speed electronically controlled transmission with tap shift.
Pontiac is showing renewed vigor after several weak years. U.S. sales are up 7.3 percent this year from a year ago, primarily on the strength of two passenger cars - the Grand Prix and Vibe.
GM hopes Pontiac will benefit from an enhanced portfolio and the introduction this fall of the G6 sedan and Montana SV6 minivan, and next year's Grand Prix GXP, Torrent and two-seat convertible Solstice.
But it's the Torrent that has the potential to give GM's performance brand the biggest kick, says Jeffrey Schuster, head of global forecasting for J.D. Power and Associates.
"It's the right type of product for the brand," said Schuster. "It's a product that should do well in conjunction with Pontiac's other launches."
The Grand Prix GXP goes into production during the first quarter of 2005.
01-05-2005, 10:14 AM
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Source: Autoweek
2006 Pontiac Torrent
Engine: 3.4-liter V-6
Horsepower: 185
Height: 67.0 inches
Width: 71.4 inches
Length: 188.8 inches
Curb weight: not determined
What the automaker says: "The sliding rear seat has 8 inches of travel, which increases cargo space behind the rear seat by almost 5 cubic feet when the seat is moved all the way up from the normal position."
What you should know: The Torrent is a mechanical twin of the Chevrolet Equinox and Saturn Vue, but with extra standard content that will boost the price.
Production possibility: Production begins this summer.
2006 Pontiac Torrent
Engine: 3.4-liter V-6
Horsepower: 185
Height: 67.0 inches
Width: 71.4 inches
Length: 188.8 inches
Curb weight: not determined
What the automaker says: "The sliding rear seat has 8 inches of travel, which increases cargo space behind the rear seat by almost 5 cubic feet when the seat is moved all the way up from the normal position."
What you should know: The Torrent is a mechanical twin of the Chevrolet Equinox and Saturn Vue, but with extra standard content that will boost the price.
Production possibility: Production begins this summer.
01-05-2005, 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by chef chris
Nice exterior...nice interior...could it be a winner?
01-05-2005, 10:27 AM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
They really need to get rid of that 3.4 engine at GM. Real bad.
They are, the new Malibu and Minvan's are using a 3.5L rated at 200/220. As soon as they retrofit the Chinese plant that makes the 3.4 I think all vehicles with the 3.4 will use the 3.5. Or so I heard.
01-05-2005, 10:31 AM
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Originally Posted by titan
Could be; GM's "excitment" division is missing one thing, though. Decent HP. That's an oldtech engine... can't they forcefeed it for more hp, or give it a differnt engine all together? Damn... Looks better than the Equinox, IMO. More aggressive and not as "cute ute-ish."
It seems they are the only manufacturer that doesn't use DOHC engines...or is it just me?
If they'd forge into the variable valve tech, they may get some more HP/less weight/better fuel economy out of their engines
01-05-2005, 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by domn
They are, the new Malibu and Minvan's are using a 3.5L rated at 200/220. As soon as they retrofit the Chinese plant that makes the 3.4 I think all vehicles with the 3.4 will use the 3.5. Or so I heard.
01-05-2005, 11:20 AM
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Originally Posted by chef chris
It seems they are the only manufacturer that doesn't use DOHC engines...or is it just me?
If they'd forge into the variable valve tech, they may get some more HP/less weight/better fuel economy out of their engines
If they'd forge into the variable valve tech, they may get some more HP/less weight/better fuel economy out of their engines
What manufacturer? Chevy or GM?
01-05-2005, 12:11 PM
#35
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Originally Posted by domn
Does Honda make a DOHC V6?
I didn't think so.......
I didn't think so.......
01-05-2005, 01:20 PM
#36
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Originally Posted by F23A4
The C30A & C32A motors are DOHC V6 motors. Read: NSX.
01-05-2005, 01:42 PM
#38
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I would agree that 185HP from 3.4L or 200HP from 3.5 or now 240HP from 3.9 is low tech. But they can get it right.
Their 3.6L which I'm fairly certain is a DOHC design with Valve timing puts out some decent numbers (255HP or so) in the STS, CTS, Lacrosse and Rendezvouz Ultra to name a few. It seems like the engines are a world apart IMO.
EDIT: I'm referring to GM in general BTW.
Their 3.6L which I'm fairly certain is a DOHC design with Valve timing puts out some decent numbers (255HP or so) in the STS, CTS, Lacrosse and Rendezvouz Ultra to name a few. It seems like the engines are a world apart IMO.
EDIT: I'm referring to GM in general BTW.
01-05-2005, 01:44 PM
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Originally Posted by titan
GM continues to impress me with it's use of platforms, and truly engineering them to be different cars/trucks instead of just a rebadge.
Really?
If this is it's own vehicle and not just a rebadge that's a great step foward.
01-05-2005, 02:34 PM
#40
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Originally Posted by domn
I checked on Acura.com before I posted and I could have sworn it said SOHC but it definently states DOHC now. Anyway, point is, Honda's 3L, 3.2L and 3.5L are all SOHC.
