LOS ANGELES – The new 2006 Pontiac Torrent expands Pontiac ’s total performance boundaries by combining car-like agility with SUV capability and versatility. Pontiac revealed the Torrent at the 2005 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Torrent has a bold, sporty design complemented by a multi-purpose interior that is configurable to countless uses, including a rear seat that adjusts fore and aft. The adjustable rear seat can provide more legroom for rear-seat passengers when moved rearward or increase the size of the cargo area when moved forward. The rear seat also reclines.

“The Torrent broadens Pontiac ’s performance parameters by taking them in a whole new direction,” said Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager. “It has the spirited, responsive driving traits of a performance sedan, but combines that fun-to-drive character with the capability of an SUV.”

Torrent is one of the largest vehicles in its class 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.

Equipment features include:

• 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
• Multi-position sliding and folding 60/40-split rear seat
• Flat-folding front passenger seat for longer cargo items
• Fog lamps
• 16-inch aluminum wheels
• Four-channel ABS standard on AWD (available on FWD)
• Dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags

Torrent also offers a host of comfort- and convenience-minded options, including leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel, heated driver and front passenger 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. (Traction control is available only on front-wheel drive models.)

Configurable cargo area

Torrent’s roomy and configurable interior provides room for people and their stuff. The sliding rear seat has eight inches of 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 (3925 liters).

The rear seat’s adjustability provides increased legroom for rear-seat passengers, and a reclining feature enhances comfort. 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.

Interior comfort and convenience

Torrent brings a level of sophistication and comfort not typically found in other vehicles in its class. Features such as air conditioning, power windows, power locks (with remote keyless entry), tilt steering, and a CD stereo with six speakers are standard. 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 upcoming Pontiac Solstice roadster, conveys a sporty, contemporary look. Sophisticated interior color palettes, including all-Ebony or Ebony with Light Cashmere inserts, bolster the Torrent’s upscale aura. The instruments and gauges have Pontiac ’s signature red backlighting.

Customers can choose a variety of available features to further enhance their comfort and convenience, including leather seating, heated front seats, premium sound system with MP3 capability and a subwoofer, and XM Satellite Radio.

Strong structure

The Torrent is based on the same strong 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 extra long 112.5-inch (2857 mm) wheelbase and 61.8-inch (1569 mm) track contribute to the car-like ride and allow longer-than-average rear doors for easy entry and exit. And while customers will likely spend more time on the road than off, the Torrent nevertheless is a full-function SUV with excellent traction capability. Both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models provide almost 8 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.

All models feature large, flared fenders that house standard 16-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels with P235/65R-16 All-Season Bridgestone 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.

Powertrain and suspension

A 3400 V-6 powers 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 that features multiple shift schedules that adapt to varied load conditions.

Torrent’s suspension is tuned to provide the crisp, responsive handling of a performance sedan. It has a MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension, with a special tuning package designed to minimize ride oscillation and provide a heightened sense of control.

Electric power steering (EPS) is standard on all models. It 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.

Four-channel ABS brakes are standard on AWD models and available on FWD models. The brakes consist of vented front discs and rear drums. All models come with standard 16-inch wheels, and 17-inch aluminum wheels are available. Traction control is standard on FWD vehicles equipped with the available ABS.

Safety story

Torrent’s structure is designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash, illustrating just one of numerous standard safety features including dual-stage frontal air bags, three-point safety belts for all seating positions and the LATCH child safety seat retention system. Roof-rail side curtain air bags are available.

The 2006 Torrent is expected to arrive in dealerships in the second half of 2005.

# # #

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS