First Look: 2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP

[Flybrian]

GM@NAIAS
2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP

Press Release

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.

Image Gallery

[Intrepidation]

Why did they not make the stereo unit piano black? just use the Sky's piano black one...it's the same unit! That makes it look cheap...plus the plastic on the doors look cheap...but the exterior and of course the powertrain are nice.

[loki]

eh, we all saw this coming right?

the black/white/red photos look horrible, why do they do that?

[Northstar]

The Equinox SS looks much better. I guess they didn't want to spend much money on the Torrent since it's not going to be a Pontiac for much longer anyways.

Also, calling it GXP is rediculous. Call it GT or something, but like SS, GXP is not to be used on SUVs, IMO.

[BlkHhr104]

Well I guess its safe to say for 08 The Torrent and 'Nox will offer Red Jewel Metallic. :AH-HA_wink:

[Guest YellowJacket894]

Are the photos scans?

[Robert Hall]

Torrential. It needs a Monsoon sound system to go with the theme...

Edited January 7, 2007 by moltar

[FAPTurbo]

Whoa... that's terrible...

The Equinox looks so much better...

[ocnblu]

Once again, totally unflattering photography. The enhancements sound great, but the photos, it seems, do not do the vehicle any justice.

[SuperSport623]

i need to see it in black asap!

[Paolino]

I'd like to see the gauges illuminated.

[rosserman]

not bad. it looks a ton better than the G6 GXP

[gm4life]

I love it! I want mine in red jewel or white in FWD please. I don't think I want the SS Equinox anymore! But there still is the Enclave! Fly-why are those photos so bad? I they tend to be better most of the time. Nothing is on the Wieck yet either.

Edited January 8, 2007 by gm4life

[ToniCipriani]

The thing I don't want happening has happened. This should not get the GXP badge. At all.

[corvette_dude729]

If any high performance badge, shouldn't it at least get a GTP, because isn't GTP supposed to be less than a GXP?

Edited January 8, 2007 by corvette_dude729

[ToniCipriani]

If any high performance badge, shouldn't it at least get a GTP, because isn't GTP supposed to be less than a GXP?

I'd say just the GT. It looks as if GTP may be phased out sometime later, with only the G6 GTP remaining right. It already lost some identifications as a GTP, e.g. the seat embroidery.

[capriceman]

personally the GXP looks pissed. look at the hood angles and the lights it looks mad because it exists.

[ImpalaPete]

Sigh.

[corvette_dude729]

I'd say just the GT. It looks as if GTP may be phased out sometime later, with only the G6 GTP remaining right. It already lost some identifications as a GTP, e.g. the seat embroidery.

Yes, I agree with you, but when they coexist isn;t GTP lower than GXP?

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

Could be better, could be worse.

GM really needs to look into hiring some photographers that AREN'T blind.

[frogger]

An answer to a question no one asked.

I'd rather they just put the 3.5L in a regular Torrent and fixed the interior.

[Cory Wolfe]

Eh... Not nearly as bad as the G6 GXP, but still quite bad.

[Houze968]

Never really cared for this thing that much, it's a decent looking SUV (especially compared to the HORRID Aztek).

I'll agree with several other posts, the Equinox looks much better IMO...

[regfootball]

a nice option for someone who wants a crossover that is fun to drive. even if it has a cheap interior.

[gm4life]

Those are the offical GM images. The previous images were from Pontiac and not the best quality. Clearly the photography wasn't tottally blind. I really like this thing... Best looking Torrent and better looking that the Torrent (regular) Equniox/Equniox SS.

This is the really sharp black computer generated image off of Pontiac's site. I used my screen print trick for this one! (Hard catching it tho cause they rotate them!)

Enjoy guys...

Now I have to decide on my next vehicle...

Pre-owned Cadillac DTS (under 10,000 miles)

Pre-owned (maybe new) Saab 9-5 Sport Combi (under 10,000 miles again if pre-owned)

2008 Buick Enclave CX FWD

2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP

2006/2007 Buick Lucerne CXL V6 or V8 (hopefully N*!)

But my wife wants and SUV and I would assume the Torrent would be cheaper than the Enclave with the same motor and tranny... Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... What would you do guys?

[K.C.]

It looks much better (and meaner) in black. I hope they can infuse some quality into the Theta twins (Pontiac/Chevy) twins. I really wanna love this thing, but I just cant. I just dont see the point of it in the Pontiac lineup.

[ToniCipriani]

Yes, I agree with you, but when they coexist isn;t GTP lower than GXP?

Yes, but that's not the point. Why skip trim levels when they are available? The Pontiac hierarchy is Base, SE, GT, GTP, GXP. Why skip 2+ trims and go straight to the top one? That just implies that they're not even going to try to make a better one, at least it's the impression that it's giving me.

[5.3Avalanche]

In real life the Pontiac looks better than the Chevy variant. Both are very nice vehicles though and I would not call the interior cheap at all. For this class of vehicle it holds its own very well against the competition and now with the new drivetrain, the thetas are a nice bunch of little SUV's. ...just more choice for the people now to go fast.

[Imaj]

I love it, but sadly it doesn't bring anything new to the segment, doesn't the RAV4 outpowers the Torrent GXP?