SPY SHOTS! Pontiac Torrent GXP

[Flybrian]

SPY SHOTS! 2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP

A C&G Exclusive!

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Cheers and Gears has paid for the rights to use these photos. Please link to the URL OF THIS TOPIC AND NOT HOTLINK OR REHOST THE IMAGES if you wish to share! Thank you!

Pontiac injects a bit more soul into the respectable Torrent crossover with a new performance trim bowing next year.

From the photos, it can be seen that the exterior bodywork remains largely the same with clear differences being added intakes on the lower fascia and new, presumably more aggressive grille inserts. New large wheels are evident as well as chromed exterior door handles. Unseen in this perspective, the rear of the Torrent has been reworked to accommodate dual exhaust tips, which will likely be chrome-tipped. A keen observer will notice the Torrent's lowered ride height, another nod to the performance trim.

Inside, expect this Pontiac to remain largely unchanged.

Mechanically, expect GM's 'high-feature' 3.6l V6 putting out 275hp. A mating to a 5-speed automatic is most likely to round out the powertrain refinements.

Production is expected to begin in July of 2007 for the 2008 model year carrying either the GT or GXP trim designation. Expect the first public look at either the Chicago or New York Auto Show, although an early showing by either this or the Equinox SS at Detroit is not out of the question.

Special thanks to Chris Doane for the photography and information!

[Drew Dowdell]

so... it's a torrent with a 275hp 3.6....

[Gizhost]

so... it's a torrent with a 275hp 3.6....

214752[/snapback]

GM should have used the modified RWD Theta platform that the Grand Vitara uses. Then the Torrent really could have been a performance SUV. They could have introduced a lighter RWD Torrent with that kind of power and an optional AWD model. I don't know why GM didn't wait for Suzuki to convert Theta to RWD before they introduced the Torrent...I can understand the Equinox because the Grand Vitara probably hadn't even been thought of yet.

[ShadowDog]

GM should have used the modified RWD Theta platform that the Grand Vitara uses. Then the Torrent really could have been a performance SUV. They could have introduced a lighter RWD Torrent with that kind of power and an optional AWD model. I don't know why GM didn't wait for Suzuki to convert Theta to RWD before they introduced the Torrent...I can understand the Equinox because the Grand Vitara probably hadn't even been thought of yet.

214753[/snapback]

...would have? Don't hold your breath.

I don't know why they would even bother.

Edited November 12, 2006 by ShadowDog

[Variance]

Wow, it really can't be a good sign if seemingly very few people give a damn about it.

Though I must say, that includes me. A powerful V6 in a Torrent and I really don't care. Maybe because it's pretty much the kind of engine the Torrent (and Equinox) should've had available from the beginning? Maybe because the Torrent never thrilled me in any aspect from the moment it was launched?

I don't know but I just don't care about it at all.

[Cory Wolfe]

GM should have used the modified RWD Theta platform that the Grand Vitara uses. Then the Torrent really could have been a performance SUV. They could have introduced a lighter RWD Torrent with that kind of power and an optional AWD model. I don't know why GM didn't wait for Suzuki to convert Theta to RWD before they introduced the Torrent...I can understand the Equinox because the Grand Vitara probably hadn't even been thought of yet.

214753[/snapback]

If the Grand Vitara used a modified RWD Theta platform, which it doesn't...

[FAPTurbo]

If the Grand Vitara used a modified RWD Theta platform, which it doesn't...

214761[/snapback]

Yes and no. Suzuki worked on the Theta.

The Grand Vitara does have a few similar mechanics as the Theta, but it is RWD...

[Cory Wolfe]

Yes and no. Suzuki worked on the Theta.

The Grand Vitara does have a few similar mechanics as the Theta, but it is RWD...

214763[/snapback]

It just uses some Theta components... like the suspension. It is still a unique platform from Theta.

[ToniCipriani]

Please, please, not a GXP. A GXP needs to be much more powerful than that.

[FAPTurbo]

I don't want to argue, but I'm pretty sure that the current Grand Vitara is RWD.

Now the new XL-7 is a Theta.

Edited November 12, 2006 by Captainbooyah

[Bizz]

at least it doesnt have the cameltoe grille the GP GXP does.

[DetroitNut90]

Personally, I'd call it the Torrent 3.6L. The HFV6 is a welcome addition.

[mjd1001]

Personally, I'd call it the Torrent 3.6L. The HFV6 is a welcome addition.

214772[/snapback]

I am actually looking forward to this and the Equinox SS. I don't care if they call it a GXP, SS, anyting else, or nothing. I simply would like a small to mid sized car based SUV with pretty good performance....and don't want to go for the Toyota Rav4 right now.

We'd actually lean a bit more toward the styling of the Equinoxx over this...but in all honesty our next car will probably be one of those or maybe the new redesigned Vue.

[mjd1001]

also notice that the equinox ss spy shot doesn't have the roof rails....neither does the production Trailblazer SS, nor does the Saturn Vue Redline.....yet the Pontiac does.

I was under the impression that the "GXP" and "SS" versions of Suv's were going to go without the roof rails.

[Bimmer325]

Personally, I'd call it the Torrent 3.6L. The HFV6 is a welcome addition.

214772[/snapback]

Agreed. The 269 horsepower RAV4 V6 is simply a 269 horsepower RAV4 V6.

As ridiculous as this might sound, calling it what it is (Torrent 3.6) would probably allow it to garner more positive reviews. "GXP" sets the bar too high for expectations.

[jbartley]

i agree, "GXP" puts the bar really high, for it only not to meet expectations.

I do like the engine and grille changes. Is it going to be on the FWD or AWD models?

Edited November 12, 2006 by jbartley

[Northstar]

This is the engine that should be standard in the Torrent. If they want a GXP, it needs to have 300+HP.

[ocnblu]

Shoot, we've all cried about the supposed wimpy Chinese V6 in the current Torrent/Equi, but in the real world, it feels plenty adequate. This thing will have 95 hp more than the current version, with much more torque. Why must we sell it short already?

[Drew Dowdell]

Torrent + 300hp = a lot of people rolling them

[avant1963]

The 269 horsepower RAV4 V6 is simply a 269 horsepower RAV4 V6.

Well, all Toyota has is the TuRD name, and the least amount of models that get called that is probably a good thing.

Back on topic, the base engine should be something more than the current boat anchor. I have no problem with the GXP name for this engine, as long as the truck gets a whole host of suspension changes also.

[Flybrian]

As far as the GXP credentials go, please read all of the original post, especially the part that states this vehicle could carry either the GT or GXP tag.

[Derek77]

No badging on the side of the Torrent GT/GXP or Equinox SS? What's up with that? The only thing I can think of is that they are struggling with the names of the vehicles. Or it's only on the back, which would be weird and different from all the others. Still I like them. The name is the only thing people are having a hard time coming to grips with. The new engine is needed.

[Mr.Krinkle]

The Chinese motor is probably (more than) adequate but its time to offer us the good stuff. I doubt most people wouldnt even know what was under the hood until all the magz blew it up.

It absolutely has to have everything tweaked. It seems being stiff as a board would garner a free pass like honda and bmws entries but i would hope its tuned

a little more appropriately. Gt? GXP? ehh. Gt would be nice only because that

would leave open the possibility for a bigger engine. or one with a turbo or supercharger slapped on it.

Either way a more respected motor coupled with the modest exterior and clever interior could only help boost sales. and of course the price has got to be on.

275 hp pontiac torrent-now were talking? keep it coming.

[loki]

Back on topic, the base engine should be something more than the current boat anchor.  I have no problem with the GXP name for this engine, as long as the truck gets a whole host of suspension changes also.

214854[/snapback]

meaning ... the 3.5L HV engine as base? sounds good to me.

if this is the GXP is has to have a 6speed...if it's a 5 speed, it better be the GTP at most.

[Gizhost]

If the Grand Vitara used a modified RWD Theta platform, which it doesn't...

214761[/snapback]

As far as I currently know the Grand Vitara rides on a heavily revised Theta 'derived' platform. It isn't considered Theta because the changes are significant, as you probably know the Grand Vitara now rides on a unibody chassis with an integrated ladder frame compared to the previous body on frame design. I merely called it a RWD Theta because I don't know the name of the new platform. Unless you plan on providing more information other than your short blurbs...whats your point? Why not provide information that will better educate me and others who may or may not be misinformed?

[Flybrian]

Unless you plan on providing more information other than your short blurbs...whats your point? Why not provide information that will better educate me and others who may or may not be misinformed?

214881[/snapback]

[ocnblu]

Oldsmoboi: Stabilitrak.

[turbo200]

if theta really is as cheap to drive as mags have denounced it to be, by this i mean sloppy handling, coarse engine, overloaded steering that doesn't respond or provide feedback well, then I think they all need suspension and handling improvements. I also think the torrent should have 3.6 standard to differentiate the Torrent from the Eq. As it is, I think they are good foundations for great cars, and they both are at the top of thier class style-wise, but as with all GM cars, they stopped the buck short on some of the most important items because of all the meth amphetamine they'd had that night again

[Cory Wolfe]

As far as I currently know the Grand Vitara rides on a heavily revised Theta 'derived' platform. It isn't considered Theta because the changes are significant, as you probably know the Grand Vitara now rides on a unibody chassis with an integrated ladder frame compared to the previous body on frame design. I merely called it a RWD Theta because I don't know the name of the new platform. Unless you plan on providing more information other than your short blurbs...whats your point? Why not provide information that will better educate me and others who may or may not be misinformed?

214881[/snapback]

214883[/snapback]

If you don't like my "short blurbs" you can ignore them and not make a big deal out of them. Especially you, Fly. As far as what, I don't need to elaborate. I made more than one post. I'm just posting 'to my knowledge' while you are doing the same for yourself. It's that simple.

It just uses some Theta components... like the suspension. It is still a unique platform from Theta.

214767[/snapback]

The Grand Vitara's platform was developed independently by the same Suzuki engineers who worked on Theta, hence the simularities in suspension and some design aspects. That doesnt make it derived from Theta. As far as a name, I don't know of one either. Edited November 12, 2006 by blackviper8891

[evok]

This is the engine that should be standard in the Torrent. If they want a GXP, it needs to have 300+HP.

214814[/snapback]

Nah - sounds like a better Vue Redline v2.0 to me.

[evok]

if theta really is as cheap to drive as mags have denounced it to be, by this i mean sloppy handling, coarse engine, overloaded steering that doesn't respond or provide feedback well, then I think they all need suspension and handling improvements. I also think the torrent should have 3.6 standard to differentiate the Torrent from the Eq. As it is, I think they are good foundations for great cars, and they both are at the top of thier class style-wise, but as with all GM cars, they stopped the buck short on some of the most important items because of all the meth amphetamine they'd had that night again

214929[/snapback]

A few years ago I drove an early Vue back to back against a CRV and subsequently spent lots of time in a RAV4. At the time I though the Vue drove like a cumbersome truck compared to the more car like and responsive CRV and RAV. Fast forward a few years to the MCE 2006 Vue. WOW it was night and day compared to the original. At the time I was in the market for such a vehicle and it was on the top of the list. It felt more like the competition and car like.

[turbo200]

A few years ago I drove an early Vue back to back against a CRV and subsequently spent lots of time in a RAV4.  At the time I though the Vue drove like a cumbersome truck compared to the more car like and responsive CRV and RAV.  Fast forward a few years to the MCE 2006 Vue.  WOW it was night and day compared to the original.  At the time I was in the market for such a vehicle and it was on the top of the list.  It felt more like the competition and car like.

214954[/snapback]

too bad we can't all have jobs that allow us to sample everything and then form an opinion. I just read a torrent summary over at edmunds and they seemed to like the ride/handling too. I guess it's that I think the torrent should be chevy's car with a better engine, and torrent should be that much more exciting, performance-oriented, and luxurious......maybe this is why I'm not all that excited about this car. i think mostly everyone here feels pontiac is not truly above chevy in any way, at this point at least. it could also have to do with the fact that i would bottom line never buy a little cute ute, it'd be midsizer or x-over suv for me all the way.

[Mule Bakersdozen LS]

Wasn't expecting much beyond an engine that should be standard anyway-I don't see a point to Pontiac living unless sporty styling and Zetas appear-I don't see either here (or in most of the rest of the line), though the grille is a nice change-now the rest of the car needs to look significantly separated from Equinox in the styling department should it have a point in existing. Now how about a 300hp version to combat the Acura MDX (which is more Buick Enclave's department, but it would still make a nice performance SUV, more fitting to the GXP character.

[evok]

......maybe this is why I'm not all that excited about this car.

214962[/snapback]

The way I look at the situation is this vehicle is one of the last reminders of the problems at GM. It is not a knock on the vehicle but a dig on a poor strategy that has dogged GM for 40 years.

[mjd1001]

Wasn't expecting much beyond an engine that should be standard anyway-I don't see a point to Pontiac living unless sporty styling and Zetas appear-I don't see either here (or in most of the rest of the line), though the grille is a nice change-now the rest of the car needs to look significantly separated from Equinox in the styling department should it have a point in existing. Now how about a 300hp version to combat the Acura MDX (which is more Buick Enclave's department, but it would still make a nice performance SUV, more fitting to the GXP character.

215013[/snapback]

Well as you said this vehicle would be slotted 'below' the MDX, it would be more of a competitor the the Acura RDX.....and this vehicle should both 'outpower' and weigh less than the RDX. Maybe some will complain it will be 'less refined' than the RDX, but it will also be much lower in price.

[Mr.Krinkle]

The way I look at the situation is this vehicle is one of the last reminders of the problems at GM.  It is not a knock on the vehicle but a dig on a poor strategy that has dogged GM for 40 years.

215026[/snapback]

yeah it should have been here much...much sooner. of course its no reason

to stand up and do the dance of joy.

i wholeheartedly believe most of the problems and half assed vehicles were due to budget limitations. i cant be entirely sure but that and a lack of balls to throw em down and letting it ride--again possibly due to overhead and poor alignment strategies. global and otherwise.

at least it seems as if both equinox and torrent will be differentiated more substantially. i wont hold my breath though. i do like what this brings to the table. they are both good looking vehicles that do stand out at least visually.

and now perhaps will have more to back it up.

Edited November 13, 2006 by Mr.Krinkle

[sciguy_0504]

Better than the Equinox SS, I reckon.

[ponchoman49]

Funny how now that GM has an engine with more power and torque than the vaunted RAV4 that nobody cares anymore yet everyone bitches up a storm about the China 3400. Get over yourselves people! These are going to be plenty quick haulers with improved handling and braking and interiors. The 2007 models set the stage with improved dashboards, stabilitrak, rear disk brakes, more std features and a normal top to bottom floor shifter and these 08's will finally address the engine issues making these some of the better mid sized crossovers out there. Why would anybody need more than 275hp in this size vehicle? The current "underpowered" 3400 version does mid 8 second 0-60 runs so I would think that with 90 more hp we would be looking in the mid six second range. Anything faster than this is just plain suicidal in a top heavy vehicle of this type and judging by all the speed related accidents\rollovers and deaths with trucks and sport utes, more power is really not needed! Our insurance rates are ridiculously high as it is!

Edited November 13, 2006 by ponchoman49

[Mr.Krinkle]

Funny how now that GM has an engine with more power and torque than the vaunted RAV4 that nobody cares anymore yet everyone bitches up a storm about the China 3400. Get over yourselves people! These are going to be plenty quick haulers with improved handling and braking and interiors. The 2007 models set the stage with improved dashboards, stabilitrak, rear disk brakes, more std features and a normal top to bottom floor shifter and these 08's will finally address the engine issues making these some of the better mid sized crossovers out there. Why would anybody need more than 275hp in this size vehicle? The current "underpowered" 3400 version does mid 8 second 0-60 runs so I would think that with 90 more hp we would be looking in the mid six second range. Anything faster than this is just plain suicidal in a top heavy vehicle of this type and judging by all the speed related accidents\rollovers and deaths  with trucks and sport utes, more power is really not needed! Our insurance rates are ridiculously high as it is!

215319[/snapback]

the engine choice was a major drawback for this trucklet. i cant argue the fact is plenty powerful but for comparison shoppers and the edmunds and cr reading crowd it sticks out like a sore thumb.

when someone test drives these models back to back if they dont notice any major problems with it, rest assured the friendly sales people have no problem pointing them out.

its only recently GM is realizing how to pool its global resources more effectively and can now begin to offer NA better equipped cars. look at the chinese sls. you think if GM wasnt so successful in china wed ever see products like that? cheap chinese labor+huge sales and profits= more money to play around with over here.

as far as the torrent goes it should stack up better now and perhaps draw in some

potential customers after reading about the improvements in their new copy of motor trend.

[Derek77]

too bad we can't all have jobs that allow us to sample everything and then form an opinion. I just read a torrent summary over at edmunds and they seemed to like the ride/handling too. I guess it's that I think the torrent should be chevy's car with a better engine, and torrent should be that much more exciting, performance-oriented, and luxurious......maybe this is why I'm not all that excited about this car. i think mostly everyone here feels pontiac is not truly above chevy in any way, at this point at least. it could also have to do with the fact that i would bottom line never buy a little cute ute, it'd be midsizer or x-over suv for me all the way.

214962[/snapback]

The edmunds review is of an 2006, though they do have some of the updated info for the '07, but for the most part it's an '06 review. For '07, they recalibrated the steering and suspension so maybe they will like the ride and handling even better.

[Imaj]

Only 275hp?! it should have 300hp, at least! Probably GM is planning on pumping the output sometime in the future.

The next generation Vue is around the corner, how far will be the next generation Torrent and Equinox?

[ricepaper]

What is that? it's like some sort of de-suved suv. does not look powerful at all. Not appealing to the eye. And the paint job in the front hurts my eyes. I mean come on? who would want to buy a zebra colored car? not me.

[Intrepidation]

What is that? it's like some sort of de-suved suv. does not look powerful at all. Not appealing to the eye. And the paint job in the front hurts my eyes. I mean come on? who would want to buy a zebra colored car? not me.

You're being sarcastic right? That's camo.

[ricepaper]

You're being sarcastic right? That's camo.

yeah, just a little humour.