From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/automotive/s-312035-273476
Pontiac, the brand that gave us the GTO in 1964 and officially
launched the muscle car era, knows that adding a dose of horsepower
to an otherwise ho-hum vehicle can have a transformative effect. A
nothing-special 326 LeMans can become a Tri-Power 389 GTO. And a
transportation module like the Torrent can finally live up to its name
- once it becomes a GXP.
What's a GXP? It's a new version of the Torrent that Pontiac is
putting into the lineup for '08 to help juice up interest in its
mid-sized, five-door crossover SUV.
The package centers around a 3.6 liter V-6 that's massively more
powerful than the 3.4 liter V-6 that's been the standard Torrent
powerplant since the model's introduction back in 2006.
It produces 264 hp - a Great Leap Forward of nearly 80 horsepower over
the 3.4's not-so-torrential 185 hp rating. The GXP package also
includes a standard six-speed automatic transmission with "tap up, tap
down" manual shift control, polished 18-inch rims with 50-series
Goodyear Eagle RS-A performance tires, unique hood with twin
pressed-in "aero scoops," dual exhaust tips jutting out of the rear
valance and projector-style fog lamps leading the way up front. The
suspension's been lowered and tuned to be firmer, too. GM's
Stabilitrack integrated electronic traction/stability control system
is also included, as are heated front seats, a performance-themed
gauge cluster and GXP-specific exterior and interior trim.
The GXP may be ordered with either front-wheel-drive ($27,830) or
all-wheel-drive ($28,980). This is both unusual (most of the time with
a performance-themed crossover/wagon, AWD is mandatory) and a nice
choice to have - because not everyone needs or wants AWD that wants
the higher-powered drivetrain. And because if you don't need or want
the AWD, you can get better straight-line performance due to the lower
curb weight - as well as a lighter overall feel.
The AWD system adds about 140 pounds (4,060 vs. 3,919) as well as some
inertial loading - both of which slow the AWD GXP down a bit and also
nip at its fuel efficiency potential (16 city/24 highway). That may be
worth it if you want the extra grip the AWD system offers. But it's
really nice to have a choice.
So, what kind of performance does the GXP deliver? Zero to sixty is
now reachable in about 6.9 seconds with the FWD version. AWD versions
are maybe a tenth or so slower. Either way, this is a huge
improvement over the 3.4 equipped Torrent - which needed closer to ten
seconds to make the same run.
The DOHC 3.6 liter V-6 likes to rev and pulls enthusiastically to
almost 7,000 RPM before bouncing off the limiter - with the six-speed
automatic holding it close to redline during full-throttle runs. The
"tap-up/tap-down" feature is fun to play with - but isn't necessary to
get performance-feel shifts. The six-speed will respond sharply even
when left in Drive; like other new-generation automatics, it's
programmed with shift algorithms that let the transmission "know" when
you are driving like a Hooligan - and will do things like hold a lower
gear for you without being told. Modern automatics with logic boards
(or whatever they're calling the brains of the operation) are
impressive pieces of work that come close to matching the control and
enthusiast operating capability of a manual with a clutch but without
the hassle (as in stop and go city driving) of dealing with a clutch.
I did, however, experience some unsettling "clunks" when transitioning
to WOT from steady-state cruise at road speeds; the problem,
hopefully, was unique to the vehicle I tested, which as a press car
has probably seen a lot of abuse.
Bottom line: For what is basically a minivan-like vehicle designed to
look like a sporty mid-sized/smallish SUV, the Torrent GXP's
acceleration/performance is top drawer. It will, for example, handily
run circles around a Hyundai Sante Fe, Mitsibishi Outlander or Toyota
RAV-4. None of those competitors even offer performance packages - so
the GXP has a unique selling point on that score. It also delivers a
far more credible facsimile of sporty handling than the typical
truck-based SUV (or even car-based crossover) is capable of.
Though you're not going to out-corner sports cars, you will be
piloting something a lot more agile than the typical lumbering live
axle behemoth SUV - and which is happy to tackle corners at speeds
that would make most of its more SUV-looking crossover competition
seriously unhappy. That makes it an appealing prospect for the buyer
who doesn't want to hang up the gloves just yet - but has no choice
but to be at least a little bit practical.
There is a price to be paid for this performance edge, however.
Because it's lower to the ground than most any truck-based SUV (and
most car-based crossovers and minivans, too) and rides on some pretty
aggressive low-profile rubber, the Torrent GXP's not the hot ticket
for poor weather driving - even with the optional AWD. It is a vehicle
best suited to paved roads - and dry weather.
That aside, it's a pretty cool package overall - especially if you
need the family-friendly versatility that a vehicle of this type
offers. Though it doesn't offer a third row seat, the Torrent is
extremely roomy - including the back seat area. A passenger as tall as
I am (6 ft. 3) still has several inches of room between his knees and
the front seatbacks - as well as a couple of inches of air between the
top of his head and the roof. The roominess extends to the cargo area,
which is almost big enough to handle another person at 35 cubic feet.
Drop the second row and you've got almost 70 cubic feet to work with.
Pontiac also thoughtfully added a concave plastic cover to the
passenger side front seatback that can used as a tray - or serve as a
protective cover - when that seat is folded forward.
There is also a deep well between the front seats instead of the usual
(and space-eating) console. It has molded wells for small items - plus
an integral, molded-in CD holder toward the back that's still within
easy reach. A smaller flip-up/flip-down cubby rides above this -
providing some additional storage space.
GM has done great work as well in the ease of use department - and the
GXP's a case in point. The controls for the AC system and radio are
simple, effective rotary-style knobs that can be operated by feel -
without having to look at them as you drive. I also like that you can
turn of the formerly always-on Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) and the
easy-access fuse box located under the hood - which also includes a
"+" power point to hook up the positive side of a jumper cable if you
ever need a jump. Good stuff.
The dash layout is nice, too- though not as rich and "finished"
looking as some of GM's newer models such as the just-released Chevy
Malibu and the absolutely gorgeous Buick Enclave. There's still a bit
too much "rhino rear" hard black plastic that detracts from the
quality feel a $30k vehicle ought to convey in 2008.
The Torrent's biggest obstacle, though, may just be the two-year
legacy of not living up to its name. At least not until now. It's too
bad GM took this long to get the GXP package into the mix. But as the
saying goes, better late than never!
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www.ericpetersautos.com or EPeters952@aol.com for
comments.