PONTIAC TORRENT ADDS MORE STANDARD FEATURES AND BLUETOOTH CAPABILITY FOR 20
06/09/2008
Pontiac
With the capability of an SUV and excellent ride and handling traits, the Pontiac Torrent is a stylish crossover that's ready for all active lifestyles. For 2009, that combination is offered in both a base model and the high-performance Torrent GXP - a unique vehicle with the power, performance and agility one expects of a Pontiac and the capability of a sport-utility vehicle.
"Torrent is the quintessential crossover, with great capability complemented with a responsive driving experience," said Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC. "There aren't many competitors in the segment that can keep up with the Torrent GXP - it's a performance-oriented crossover that will surprise many sports car drivers."
Changes to the '09 Torrent lineup upgrade popular entertainment and safety options to standard equipment on all models, including XM Satellite Radio and head-curtain side-impact air bags.
Additional changes and new content include:
Three new exterior colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic and Cyber Gray Metallic (they replace Sedona Beige Metallic, Granite Gray Metallic, Teal Blue Metallic and Liquid Silver Metallic)
Available Bluetooth connectivity
The Torrent's new Bluetooth capability is integrated with the standard OnStar system. This wireless technology enables hands-free phone calls for safer, more convenient connections.
A well-equipped crossover
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 (standard on GXP)
Premium: leather seating inserts, heated driver and passenger seats
Sun and Sound : power sunroof, AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD/MP3 player and 260-watt Pioneer seven-speaker premium sound system
For even more personalization, the Torrent is available with a chrome appearance package that includes a chrome grille, chrome front and rear skid plates, chrome roof rails, chrome door handles and 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.
Interior space 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 eight by almost five cubic feet when the seat is moved all the way forward, or pushed all the way rearward to create the largest amount of rear-seat legroom in Torrent's class. The front passenger seat back also folds flat, creating a spacious, enclosed load area that is among the largest in the segment, stretching from the rear of the vehicle to the instrument panel for skis and other equipment.
Two 12-volt auxiliary power outlets address a variety of electrical needs, from charging a cell phone or a laptop to inflating an air mattress or water toys.
Entertainment options
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. XM Satellite Radio is standard. Customers can 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 system, CD and MP3 player
AM/FM stereo with DVD entertainment system, CD and MP3 player
Pioneer 260-watt premium seven-speaker system with amplifier and sub-woofer
Torrent driving experience
The base Torrent features an efficient 3.4-liter V-6 engine generating 185 horsepower (138 kW)* at 5,200 rpm and 210 lb.-ft. of torque (284 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.
Torrent's segment-leading 112.5-inch (2,858 mm) wheelbase and wide 61.8-inch (1,569 mm) track help assure a steady, secure driving experience. The front suspension has a MacPherson strut design and the rear features a four-link independent layout. An enhanced ride and handling package that was introduced last year returns in '09 and includes firm shock tuning, hydraulic bushings and spring rates tuned for a responsive feel.
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 standard 18-inch polished forged aluminum wheels. Additional aluminum wheel combinations also are available. Traction control and ABS are standard on all models.
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.
Torrent GXP
The Torrent GXP takes the SUV driving experience to an unexpected level of performance. It boasts a powerful V-6 engine and a sport-tuned suspension system, enabling 0-60 mph performance of less than 7 seconds.
Like Pontiac's other GXP models, the Torrent offers an uncompromising balance of performance, style and comfort, and is differentiated from the base Torrent with an aggressive stance and exterior design that includes a unique hood and front fascia with cooling inlets and detailed grille inserts.
The muscle in this package comes from GM's 3.6L V-6 DOHC engine with variable valve timing that supplies 264 horsepower (197 kW)* and 250 lb.-ft of torque (338 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.
From a handing perspective, the GXP's front struts feature internal rebound springs that 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 responsive and sporty driving experience. Specific 235/50R18 all-season radial sport tires complement the Torrent GXP's ride and handling characteristics.
Distinguished from the base model, the Torrent GXP sports a unique hood, a one-inch lower stance, lower front and rear fascias, and 18-inch polished, forged aluminum five-spoke wheels.
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 "piano black" appearance on the instrument panel and surrounding the shifter gate adds to the performance dimension to the interior. Heated seats with enhanced lateral support are standard and perforated leather is available.
Enhanced safety features
Torrent is designed to protect passengers in the event of a crash and is equipped with technologies to help avoid a crash. Dual-stage frontal air bags and head-curtain side-impact air bags with rollover detection sensors are standard on all models.
Enhanced occupant protection and passenger sensing system for the dual-stage frontal driver and passenger air bags also help protect the driver and passengers.
Additional 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; GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system; tire pressure monitoring system; and electronic trailer sway control (integrated with StabiliTrak).
Electronic trailer sway control detects 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.
Standard OnStar
Standard on all 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.
*SAE certified.