Torrential Downpours in Midwest....

Given that Southeastern Michigan was privy to the same massive thunderstorms sweeping the midwest, it ironically fit that this would be the next GMTBlog Topic......

The 2006 Pontiac Torrent was unveiled at the 2005 Detroit NAIAS Auto Show. While nothing out of the usual, the Torrent is the 3rd variant of GM’s Theta platform – shared with the Saturn VUE and Chevrolet Equinox.

The Torrents pictured are some of the most recent pre-production builds, and will soon be used mainly for promotion and press review. As the window sticker shows, these are non-saleable units - so no mention of equipment levels, or pricing, are stated. MPG ratings are identical to the Equinox.

The interior, for the most part, is carry-over Equinox. The Torrent's innards differ only in terms of steering wheel (3-spoke), trim appliques (brushed silver finish), gauge cluster, and the HVAC controls (thick knobs as on Solstice).

The rear end treatment, however, is rather attractive. Gone are the Equinox’ tuner-style white-out taillights and oversized chrome bar. Conservatively-styled red-lenses, coupled with a simplistic rear tailgate give the Equinox a look that is simplistic, but easy on the eye. If any Equinox owners detest their taillights, hop over to a Pontiac dealer near you, and order these lenses from SPO. They’ll fit with little to no modification required.

Overall, it's a rather attractive Theta - despite the fact that it's not much more than a facelift. Look to find the Torrent arriving at dealers this fall.