Pontiac Unveils New Compact SUV at California Auto Show

Pontiac Torrent Expected to Deliver SUV Capability and Performance Car Driving Dynamics

Ever heard of the California International Auto Show? The Anaheim-based event is not exactly revered at the same level as the

General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz introduces the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, as an artist's rendering of the new 2006 Pontiac Torrent is projected behind him at the 2004 California International Auto Show in Anaheim, California. (Photo: Joe Polimeni, General Motors of Canada)

North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the annual auto show in Chicago or for that matter the Los Angeles auto show just down the road, but nevertheless its large surrounding population of car crazy Southern Californians attracted the biggest automaker in the business to debut three new models there.

Top of the list was the upcoming 2006 Hummer H3, the Chevy Colorado based SUV destined to bring younger buyers to the 4x4 brand. Also shown were two Pontiacs, the V8-powered 2005 Grand Prix GXP, which is a sportier version of Pontiac's near full-size performance sedan, and something completely unique, the 2006 Pontiac Torrent.

The Torrent, expected to replace the unloved Aztek as Pontiac's only compact sport utility, appears to be nothing less

The Torrent, a slightly modified Chevy Equinox, will replace the Aztek as Pontiac's only SUV. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

than a slightly modified Chevy Equinox. This is no bad thing, however, as the Equinox delivers top-tier compact class driving-dynamics as well as tremendous interior room.

The Pontiac version will receive the requisite bisected grille, a monochromatic paint scheme, sporty large-diameter 5-spoke alloy wheels, unique interior styling cues and upgraded materials, plus a sportier suspension setup that is said to deliver SUV-like "utility and capability without sacrificing the precision handling characteristics normally associated with a performance car."