PONTIAC ADDS TORRENT GXP AND G6 GXP MODELS TO LINEUP OF PERORMANCE-ORIENTED
01/07/2007
Pontiac
Pontiac announced new 2008 Torrent GXP and 2008 G6 GXP models at the North American International Auto Show. These high-performance variants join the popular Grand Prix GXP and Solstice GXP models, affirming Pontiac's commitment to progressive design and balanced performance.
The G6 GXP is available in coupe and sedan models, broadening the G6 lineup with performance and style not typically found in the midsize segment. G6 GXP models receive a sophisticated, 3.6L DOHC V-6 VVT that produces approximately 252 horsepower (188 kW) and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (341 Nm). The engine is backed by a Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission and complemented with a performance-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels and specific exterior and interior appointments.
The Torrent GXP delivers an exciting, sporting competitor to the SUV market, with a lowered suspension, 18-inch wheels, unique exterior appointments and a potent 263-horsepower (196 kW) 3.6L DOHC V-6 VVT/six-speed automatic powertrain combination that propels the vehicle from 0-60 mph in less than seven seconds.
"Customers have come to equate Pontiac GXP vehicles with an uncompromising balance of performance, style and comfort," said John Larson, Pontiac general manager. "The Torrent GXP and G6 GXP models deliver on that proven formula, which has made the Grand Prix GXP and Solstice GXP among the most popular vehicles at Pontiac dealerships."
The 2008 Torrent GXP and the G6 GXP models are scheduled to arrive at dealerships in the fall of 2007. Prices have not been announced.
G6 GXP
The new, 2008 G6 GXP performance coupe and sedan bring a new, performance-oriented dimension to the G6's broad lineup. They will be available with both base and Street edition packages.
G6 GXP Street edition models are easily identified by their new front fascia, which features new fog lamps and braided polished stainless steel upper and outboard lower grille inserts with chrome surrounds on the upper grille sections leading to a revised hood with scoops. New body side rocker moldings lead to a redesigned rear fascia with two exhaust openings. Chrome, dual-wall tips exit through the openings. A rear spoiler also is part of the GXP package, but is specific to either the coupe or sedan; the coupe model receives a larger, more aggressive "hammerhead" spoiler. GXP-specific 18-inch wheels are also standard in the Street edition package.
All G6 GXP models are powered by GM Powertrain's 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing. It is rated at 252 horsepower (188 kW) at 6300 rpm and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (341 Nm) at 3200 rpm. The engine is a state-of-the-art, DOHC powerplant that uses full four-cam phasing, rapid date processing and torque-based engine management to optimize power, economy and emissions performance.
The 3.6-liter V-6 VVT engine is mated to a new Hydra-Matic 6T70 electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission. It is an advanced transmission with state-of-the-art clutch-to-clutch shift operation, designed for high-performance front-wheel drive applications. Clutch-to-clutch operation allows for reduced complexity and compact packaging. The six-speed automatic improves vehicle performance up to 8 percent and increases fuel economy up to 4 percent over current front-wheel-drive four-speed automatics.
G6 GXP models have sporty, driver-oriented interiors with refined controls and instrument layouts. Standard features include highly bolstered, body-hugging seats, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, racing-style gauges with true-red LED instrument backlighting, automatic climate control, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, variable intermittent wipers, tachometer and theft-deterrent system. Available items include power adjustable pedals, six-way power seats, heated seats, leather seating surfaces, in-dash six-CD changers and remote vehicle start. GXP-specific leather-appointed seating with two-tone inserts is available.
On the road, the G6 GXP coupe and sedan deliver the type of responsive ride and handling characteristics expected from Pontiac's performance series. They are equipped with GXP-specific sport-tuned suspensions, as well as GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system as standard equipment.
The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut design, with aluminum lower control arms and a direct-acting stabilizer bar. Suspension components mount to a U-shaped hydroformed chassis cradle. Rubber mounts isolate the body from the chassis cradle to minimize noise, vibration and harshness. At the rear, a four-link independent suspension design uses twin-tube shock absorbers and another direct acting stabilizer bar, all intended to minimize body roll during cornering. High-performance braking is an integral part of the G6's sporty nature. Large, heavy-duty four-wheel disc brakes provide excellent stopping power and great fade resistance. Front discs are vented and the rears are solid. Four-channel ABS is standard.
Base G6 GXP models receive standard 18-inch aluminum alloy painted flangeless five-spoke wheels, while those opting for the Street edition will receive a unique 18-inch wheel. Black chrome-finished 18-inch aluminum wheels are also available.
Torrent GXP
Using the popular Torrent SUV as the foundation, the Torrent GXP starts with a sleek, unique exterior design that includes a sculpted hood, a revised front fascia with cooling inlets and detailed, deep-set grille inserts. The Torrent GXP's lower front and rear fascias, as well as the rocker moldings, are body-colored. The sleek look is enhanced with the elimination of the roof rack (which remains an option), lowering the look of the vehicle beyond its reduced ride height. Eighteen-inch flangeless, high-polished forged aluminum five-spoke wheels complete the Torrent GXP's aggressive stance. Chrome details, such as the door handles and dual exhaust tips, reflect the vehicle's attention to detail.
Inside, the Torrent GXP also is performance-oriented. New seats with bolsters that enhance lateral support during quick cornering maneuvers are standard, with leather-covered versions available. It also has a leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel and GXP-specific instruments, including a 140-mph speedometer - all with Pontiac's signature red backlighting. Additional interior cues include an upscale, "piano black" appearance on the instrument panel and a parallel shifter gate for the GXP-specific tap-up/tap-down feature of the six-speed automatic transmission.
The six-speed transmission - GM Hydra-Matic's new 6T70 - provides an excellent balance between performance and fuel economy. It is paired with GM's 3.6L V-6, a high-feature, DOHC engine with variable valve timing that delivers 263 horsepower (196 kW). This powertrain combination delivers performance that leaves many SUVs in the dust and rivals many sports cars, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds. The Torrent GXP also features a specially tuned exhaust note that driving enthusiasts will appreciate. The powertrain combination is available with a standard front-wheel-drive configuration or an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration.
The Torrent GXP's underhood prowess is channeled to the pavement via a performance-tuned suspension. Torrent's segment-leading 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and wide 61.8-inch (1,569 mm) track give the GXP a stable, confident road feel. The front suspension has a MacPherson strut design and the rear features a four-link independent layout. Stiffer shock valving, spring rates and suspension bushings; stronger stabilizer bars and hydraulic power steering contribute to a more responsive, sporting driving experience. Specific 235/50R18 all-season radial sport tires complement the Torrent GXP's ride and handling characteristics.
Additionally, GM's innovative StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, tire pressure monitoring system, and front and rear disc brakes with four-channel ABS, including panic brake assist and trailering stability, are standard on the Torrent GXP. On AWD models, the AWD system engages automatically when wheel slip is detected.
Additional vehicle highlights include an impressive list of standard features: dual-stage front driver and front passenger air bags with GM's Passenger Sensing System; head curtain side-impact air bags with rollover protection; five-passenger seating - including a sliding rear seat that offers the greatest rear-seat legroom in the class - flat-folding front passenger seat for longer cargo items; power door locks with remote keyless entry; power windows; air conditioning; tilt steering and rear liftgate with defogger and washer/wiper. Also included is an auxiliary audio input jack and an electronic driver information center. Available features include OnStar, as well as entertainment features such as a six-disc in-dash CD changer, a navigation system and a DVD player.