HIGH-PERFORMANCE GXP MODEL JOINS PONTIAC TORRENT LINEUP
08/01/2007
Pontiac
Pontiac takes the SUV driving experience to an unexpected level of performance with the 2008 Torrent GXP, which offers new levels of performance, with a 264-horsepower (197 kW)* 3.6L V-6 and a host of new standard features, such as GM's OnStar safety and security system. Ride and handling characteristics have also been enhanced for the 2008 model.
Providing the power, performance and agility of a sports car with the capability of a sport-utility vehicle, the Torrent GXP joins Pontiac's growing GXP family that includes the Solstice GXP, the Grand Prix GXP and, also new for 2008, the G6 GXP.
Three all new metallic exterior finishes are available on the 2008 Torrent, including Deep Blue Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic and Teal Metallic.
Torrent GXP
How many SUVs in Torrent's segement can achieve a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds? Like its GXP siblings, the Torrent offers an uncompromising balance of performance, style and comfort, and is differentiated from the standard Torrent with an aggressive stance and exterior design that includes a unique hood, a new front fascia with cooling inlets and detailed grille inserts.
The power in this package comes from GM's 3.6L V-6 DOHC power plant with variable valve timing that supplies 264 horsepower (197 kW)* and 250 lb.-ft of torque (339 Nm)*. Even the exhaust note resonates performance with the driver. The engine is mated to GM Hydra-Matic's 6T70 efficient six-speed transmission with tap-up/tap-down feature, which provides attributes of a manual transmission and saves fuel. The Torrent GXP is available with a standard front-wheel-drive or an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration.
Torrent's segment-leading 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and wide 61.8-inch (1,569 mm) track help assure a steady, secure drive. The front suspension has a MacPherson strut design and the rear features a four-link independent layout. The front struts have internal rebound springs which improve roll stiffness and steering sensitivity, while maintaining ride comfort. Stiffer shock valving, spring rates, suspension bushing; larger, solid stabilizer bars and hydraulic power steering contribute to a more response and sporty driving experience. Specific 235/50R18 all-season radial sport tires complement the Torrent GXP's ride and handling characteristics.
Complementing the new, aggressive exterior design, the Torrent GXP sports a distinct hood, a one-inch lower stance and with lower front and rear fascias and eighteen-inch flangeless, high-polished forged aluminum five-spoke wheels. Details such as chrome dual exhaust tips reflect the vehicle's prowess.
The Torrent GXP's exterior sophistication is carried inside with a leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel and GXP-specific instruments, highlighted with Pontiac's signature red backlighting and a 140-mph speedometer. A chic, "piano black" appearance on the instrument panel and surrounding the shifter gate add a new performance dimension to the interior. Perforated leather or tailored cloth covered heated seats, with enhanced lateral support, are available and coordinate with the door trim.
Improved ride and handling performance
The base Torrent features an efficient 3.4-liter V-6 60-degree OHV V-6 engine generating 185 horsepower (138 kW)* at 5,200 rpm and 210 lb.-ft. of torque (285 Nm)* at 3,800 rpm. The engine is mated to an automatic five-speed transmission featuring multiple shift schedules that adapt to varied load conditions.
New for 2008, the base Torrent has an enhanced ride and handling package that includes stiffer shocks, hydraulic bushings and tuned spring rates.
Four-channel ABS brakes are standard on all models. The brakes consist of vented front discs and rear discs. The Torrent comes with standard 16-inch aluminum wheels and the Torrent GXP is equipped with chrome-clad 18-inch aluminum wheels. Seventeen-inch aluminum wheel combinations also are available on the base model. Traction control is standard on FWD vehicles equipped with the standard ABS.
The automatic all-wheel-drive system has no buttons to push. It engages automatically when wheel slip is detected. Both the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models provide almost eight inches (203 mm) of ground clearance and feature short front and rear overhangs for favorable off-road approach and departure angles.
Enhanced safety features
GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, OnStar safety and security system, tire pressure monitoring system, cruise control, and front and rear disc brakes with four-channel ABS are just a few of the standard features on the base and GXP models.
Electronic Trailer Sway Control is a new addition for the 2008 Torrent. This feature is integrated into the standard StabiliTrak system and detects the occurrence of trailer sway that may be caused by improper trailer weight balance or excessive vehicle speed. Upon detection of trailer sway, StabiliTrak will independently begin to apply brakes to assist the driver in stabilizing the vehicle. StabiliTrak activation also signals the driver to reduce vehicle speed, and if trailer sway continues, StabiliTrak will reduce engine torque to reduce the vehicle's speed manually.
StabiliTrak helps drivers keep control during abrupt maneuvers or in low-traction conditions by using a comprehensive series of sensors to measure acceleration, deceleration, steering angle and yaw rate. By monitoring these inputs, the system automatically controls the vehicle to help maintain the driver's intended path when a measurable deviation from the intended course is detected. The system retains control by regulating vehicle acceleration or applying the brakes at any wheel.
Standard on all 2008 Torrent models, OnStar's digital equipment includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar also includes OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics and the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to participating 911 centers to help dispatch the appropriate live-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes quicker.
Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and available OnStar Hands-Free Calling and Turn-by-Turn Navigation. This service allows OnStar customers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. This allows drivers to be led to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Torrent's enhanced occupant protection and rollover detection sensors for the head curtain side-impact air bags and Passenger Sensing System for the dual-stage frontal driver and passenger air bags help protect the driver and passengers. Other standard safety features include three-point safety belts for all seating positions and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child safety seat retention system, which can accommodate up to three child seats.
More standard equipment
To provide greater convenience, the 2008 Torrent's electronic Driver Information Center (DIC) now includes a digital compass. Located in the instrumental panel cluster, the DIC includes more than 20 personalization and vehicle information features, such as tire pressure, trip odometer, fuel range and outside temperature display. Cruise control is also standard on all 2008 models.
The Torrent's standard audio system features a six-speaker AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player and auxiliary input jack for iPod/MP3 players. Customers choose from additional audio systems and features, including:
AM/FM stereo entertainment system with six-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3 and DVD playback
AM/FM stereo with navigation or DVD entertainment, CD and MP3 player
Pioneer premium seven-speaker system with amplifier and subwoofer
XM Satellite Radio
Additional standard features on the Torrent include five-passenger seating, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power windows, air conditioning, tilt steering, rear liftgate with defogger and washer/wiper, flat-folding front passenger seat for longer cargo items and a sliding rear seat with 60/40 split seatback and two-position recline.
Personalization is a key attribute of the Torrent, and a number of different option packages are available:
Preferred : more than nine features such as a remote vehicle start system, auto-dimming rearview mirror and steering-wheel mounted audio controls
Premium: leather seating inserts, heated driver and passenger seats
Sun and Sound : power sunroof, AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD/MP3 player and Pioneer seven-speaker premium sound
For even further personalization, the 2008 Torrent is available with a chrome exterior package that includes a chrome grille, chrome front and rear skid plates, chrome roof rails and chrome door handles.
Interior innovations and functionality
Torrent's spacious interior provides ample room for passengers and their belongings. When the 60/40 split folding rear seat back is flipped down, rear cargo space is significantly increased creating a total interior volume of 138.6 cubic feet (3,925 L).The sliding rear seat has approximately eight inches of fore and aft travel, which increases cargo space behind the rear seat by almost five cubic feet when the seat is moved all the way forward. The front passenger seat back also folds flat, creating a spacious load area that stretches from the rear of the vehicle to the instrument panel for skis and other equipment. Three 12-volt power outlets allow people to plug in a laptop, pump up an air mattress while camping or for other needs that require electricity.
* SAE certification.