Pontiac Unveils New Compact SUV at California Auto Show

On that theme the Equinox rides on a traditional MacPherson strut front suspension matched up to an independent 4-link, coil sprung

"The Torrent adds a degree of flexibility and spaciousness designed to meet the needs of owners with active lifestyles," said Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

rear suspension. While not as off-road biased as the old Tracker that uses a solid rear axle, actually preferred by 4x4 purists, the new model is much more enjoyable to drive on pavement, where it and the Torrent will spend the majority of their time.

"The Torrent represents a new dimension of Pontiac's commitment to 'total performance,'" said Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager. "Along with a spirited powertrain and a crisp handling package rarely seen in a compact SUV, the Torrent adds a degree of flexibility and spaciousness designed to meet the needs of owners with active lifestyles."

The Torrent will feature the same 185 horsepower 3.4-liter V6 that comes standard in the Equinox, and be available in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations. While the engine output is not top-of-class, it is mated to a world-class 5-speed automatic transmission that results in impressive 12.7 L/100 km city and 8.6 L/100 km highway fuel economy.

While the Anaheim show was the first to get the announcement, the Los Angeles show in January 2005 will be the first to see the

It's easy to see the similarities between the Torrent and the Equinox when comparing this photo to the one above. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

vehicle in the metal. Pricing will be announced closer to its production date which is scheduled to be in the fall of next year. Most likely the Torrent will be built alongside the Equinox at the CAMI Automotive, Inc. facility in Ingersoll, Ontario, a joint venture between GM of Canada, Ltd. and Suzuki Motor Corp. of Japan.

The 2006 Torrent will finalize what will have been an important year for Pontiac. Following up on the new G6, a model that raises GM's sportiest brand into a new level of interior quality, 2005 will see the compact Pursuit arrive on the scene, joined soon after by the V8-powered Grand Prix GXP, the G6 coupe, Solstice roadster, and G6 convertible.