2006 PONTIAC TORRENT – A DIFFERENT TYPE OF PONTIAC PERFORMANCE
Source: GM Media
The new 2006 Pontiac Torrent expands Pontiac ’s total performance boundaries by combining car-like agility with SUV capability and versatility. Its European-inspired design – with unmistakable Pontiac styling cues – is complemented by a multi-purpose interior that is configurable to countless uses, including a rear seat that adjusts fore and aft and reclines.
Torrent is one of the largest vehicles in its segment and features a 185-horsepower (138 kw) 3400 V-6 backed by a five-speed automatic transmission. It is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. Torrent also is packed with unexpected details and many standard features that are either extra-cost options or unavailable on competitors’ vehicles.
“With the Torrent, we’re applying the character of Pontiac performance to a different type of vehicle,” said John Larson, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. “It has the responsive driving traits that drivers would expect in a performance sedan combined with the capabilities of an SUV.”
Torrent’s capabilities are most apparent in its clever and useful features, such as the multi-adjustable rear seat. It can provide segment-leading legroom for rear-seat passengers when moved rearward or increase the length of the cargo area by nearly a foot when moved forward. The rear seat also reclines, providing more comfort. Also, the Torrent has the widest rear door openings in its segment, making entry and exit of both people and cargo easier.
The impressive list of standard equipment features for the ’06 Torrent also includes:
- Five-passenger seating
- Power door locks with remote keyless entry
- Power windows
- Air conditioning
- Rear liftgate with defogger and washer/wiper
- CD stereo with six speakers
- Flat-folding front passenger seat for longer cargo items
- Available multi-position adjustable rear package shelf
- Fog lamps
- FE2 Sport Suspension
- 16-inch aluminum wheels
- Four-channel ABS and traction control standard on FWD model (ABS standard on AWD model)
- Electric power steering
- Dual-stage frontal air bags
Torrent’s list of standard comfort and convenience features includes air conditioning, power windows, power locks (with remote keyless entry), tilt steering, and a CD stereo with six speakers. The interior also carries a crafted, upscale design with details like chrome accents, precise-feeling controls and seat upholstery that has a tailored appearance. Even the steering wheel, which takes its styling cues from the Pontiac Solstice roadster, conveys a sporty, contemporary look. Sophisticated interior color palettes, including all-Ebony or Ebony with Light Cashmere inserts, also bolster the Torrent’s upscale aura. The instruments and gauges have Pontiac ’s signature red backlighting.
Torrent offers a host of comfort- and convenience-minded options, including leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel, heated driver and front passenger seats for cloth and leather seats, power-adjustable driver seat, 17-inch aluminum wheels, CD/MP3 stereo with six-disc CD changer and subwoofer, steering-wheel radio controls, power sunroof, multi-tier rear cargo system, OnStar and XM Satellite Radio. Roof-rail side curtain air bags and traction control also are available. ABS and traction control are standard on the FWD model.
OnStar-equipped Torrent models feature OnStar dual-mode (analog-digital) equipment. OnStar’s digital equipment also includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada . Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.
There also is a strong attention to detail inside the Torrent. Chrome accents on buttons and controls convey a premium look, while features including a center armrest with under-console storage and five strategically placed cup holders enhance convenience.
In addition to the numerous standard features and regular-production options, 19 different accessories are available through GM Accessories. The accessories allow customers to outfit their Torrent to more closely fit their lifestyle and taste.
Configurable comfort and convenience
Torrent’s roomy and configurable interior provides room for people and their stuff. 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 up from the normal position. The front passenger seat back also folds flat, creating a very long load area that stretches from the rear of the vehicle to the instrument panel. Total interior volume is 138.6 cubic feet (3,925 L).
When the 60/40 split folding seat is forward, rear cargo space is significantly increased. Integrated storage areas throughout the interior were designed for everything from sunglasses to coins, CDs, coffee cups and water bottles. The rear cargo area has an available innovative Cargo Storage System with storage bins in the floor and wheel wells plus a lightweight polycarbonate shelf that can be placed in various positions for differing cargo needs. It has hooks for grocery bags and can even be configured as a table for tailgate parties. Three 12-volt power outlets also are standard.
Chassis and powertrain
The Torrent shares the same basic structure as the popular Chevrolet Equinox and Saturn VUE. It is an integral body structure with full-length underbody rails that provides exceptional strength.
Torrent’s segment-leading 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and wide 61.8-inch (1,569 mm) track contribute to the car-like ride and enable the segment’s widest-opening rear doors for easy entry and exit. Those proportions are centered on a standard FE2 Sport Suspension package that includes shock valving and electric power steering tuned to provide a level of crisp, responsive handling not often found in an SUV. The front suspension has a MacPherson strut design, while the rear features a four-link independent layout.
The standard electric power steering system (EPS) is a speed-sensitive, variable-effort system that is tuned to match the performance characteristics of the vehicle. EPS eliminates the use of an engine-driven power steering pump, as well as the corresponding fluid reservoir and plumbing, reducing both fuel consumption and the potential source of an environmental contaminant.
All Torrent models feature large, flared fenders that house standard 16-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels with P235/65R-16 all-season tires. Cleated front and rear skid plates and protective rocker panels also are elements of the design, along with an unmistakable Pontiac front-end appearance that incorporates the signature twin-port grilles. The Torrent’s SUV stance provides drivers with a commanding view of the road.
And while customers will likely spend more time on the road than off, the Torrent nevertheless is a full-function SUV with all-weather capabilities providing excellent traction. 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. The on-demand automatic all-wheel drive system has no buttons to push. It engages automatically when wheel slip is detected.
The proven 3400 V-6 is standard in the Torrent. This compact and mass efficient 60-degree OHV V-6 generates 185 horsepower (138 kw) at 5200 rpm and 210 lb.-ft. of torque (285 Nm) at 3800 rpm. The engine is mated to a five-speed AF33-5 transmission featuring multiple shift schedules that adapt to varied load conditions. This robust powertrain combination contributes to Torrent’s 3,500-pound (1,588 kg) towing capacity.
Four-channel ABS brakes are standard on all models. The brakes consist of vented front discs and rear drums. All models come with standard 16-inch aluminum wheels, and 17-inch aluminum wheels are available. Traction control is standard on FWD vehicles equipped with the available ABS.
Torrent also offers numerous standard safety features including dual-stage frontal air bags, 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. Roof-rail side curtain air bags are available.
