PONTIAC PRODUCT RENAISSANCE CONTINUES

DETROIT – Five new products in 2005, including three V-8s, are proof of Pontiac’s continued product and performance renaissance.

“The Pontiac lineup has never been stronger. All of our products emphasize Pontiac’s contemporary design direction and renewed performance spirit, and demonstrate GM’s commitment to the passenger car market,” said Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager.

Torrent

The new 2006 Pontiac Torrent expands Pontiac’s horizon by combining car-like ride and handling characteristics with SUV versatility. The Torrent has a bold, sporty design complemented by a configurable, multipurpose interior, 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.

Torrent is one of the largest vehicles in its class and features a 185-horsepower (138 kW) Vortec 3400 V-6 backed by a five-speed automatic transmission. It features front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive, along with five-passenger seating, a six-speaker CD sound system, 16-inch wheels (17-inch wheels are available), fog lamps and a multi-tier rear cargo storage system.

Customers can choose from a variety of available features that further enhance their comfort and convenience, including leather seating and heated front seats; a Pioneer premium sound system with MP3 capability and a subwoofer; and XM Satellite Radio. Standard safety features include 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 Pontiac dealerships in the second half of 2005.

G6

Pontiac G6 customers will soon have more choices when coupe and convertible models join the midsize sedan. All three models will feature a class-leading 112.3-inch (2852 mm) wheelbase for superior roominess as well as superior ride comfort. All three G6 models will also carry Pontiac’s fresh design language.

G6 GT models are powered by a 200-horsepower (149 kW) 3500 3.5L V-6, while customers opting for the sportier GTP versions (available in the second quarter of 2005) receive a 3.9L HO V-6 rated at 240 horsepower (179 kW). The 3.5L is mated to the Hydra-Matic 4T45-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode; the 3.9L is coupled with a 4T65E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. A high-performance six-speed manual transmission is also available with the 3.9L engine.

Further accentuating the G6’s sporty character is the four-wheel sport-tuned independent suspension, with MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension. G6 models also feature variable-assist electric power steering, full function traction control and a range of 16-, 17- and 18-inch performance wheels and tires. The G6 coupe will seat four adults comfortably and will be available in spring 2005; the convertible, which also seats four, will arrive in Pontiac showrooms during the first quarter of 2006.

Solstice

The much-anticipated Solstice is expected in Pontiac showrooms in mid-2005. The production model remains true to the original Solstice concept, including rear-wheel drive, two-passenger seating and a reverse-hinged clamshell hood that opens to reveal a new 2.4L variable-valve version of the Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing about 170 horsepower. Its twin-cam, multi-valve design provides stirring, high-revving performance, while the engine’s lightweight, all-aluminum construction helps optimize the vehicle’s front-to-rear balance.

Solstice will be offered with a close-ratio Aisin five-speed manual transmission. Optimal vehicle handling is provided by independent front and rear suspensions that feature independent SLA designs with forged aluminum upper and lower control arms, monotube shock absorbers and coil springs. Eighteen-inch wheels and tires are standard, as are four-wheel disc brakes with an available anti-lock braking system.

GTO

GTO answers the call of modern muscle car enthusiasts. For 2005, the GTO receives a new engine – the LS2 V-8 – and new exterior choices. The LS2 produces 400 horsepower (295 kW); up from 350 horses (261 kW), and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (542 Nm), up from 365 lb.-ft. (495 Nm). More rumble comes from a new, split dual-exhaust system while an enhanced braking system keeps all of that power under control. New exterior options include two new colors and standard hood scoops. Eighteen-inch wheels are available for the 2005 GTO. Brakes will now feature larger rotors in the front; the rear rotors are wider and are now vented. The aluminum brake calipers are painted red and visible from all four corners.

Grand Prix

After nearly 20 years, V-8 performance returns to the Grand Prix lineup with the introduction of the Grand Prix GXP in 2005. The Grand Prix GXP features more refined interior appointments, a distinctive exterior appearance, sport-tuned suspension and a new 5300 5.3L V-8 (LS4) engine producing an estimated 290 horsepower and an estimated 325 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is transferred to the front wheels via the high-performance Hydra-Matic 4T65-E four-speed electronically controlled transmission with TAPShift.

Grand Prix GXP features polished 18-inch forged aluminum wheels and W-rated performance tires, reduced ride height, Bilstein gas-charged struts and higher-rate springs. This newest Grand Prix model also features a high-performance four-wheel disc brake system with aluminum calipers, 12.7-inch vented and cross-drilled front rotors and 12-inch vented and cross-drilled rear rotors. The Grand Prix GXP is scheduled to begin production in spring 2005.

Vibe

Refreshed for 2005, Pontiac’s original crossover vehicle sports a redesigned front fascia and grille, with an appearance similar to the 2006 Solstice sports car. A host of safety and convenience features have been added for ’05, including available leather seating, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and side-curtain air bags. OnStar is available, as is XM Satellite Radio.

Montana SV6

Designed with the rugged styling cues of an SUV, but with the versatility and capabilities of a mid-van, the Montana SV6 joins the Vibe as Pontiac’s second new crossover vehicle in less than three years. The Montana SV6’s lengthy list of features includes the new 200-horsepower (149-kW) 3500 3.5L V-6, seats that fold to create a flat load floor, an overhead rail storage system, a standard DVD entertainment system and the first-in-segment Mobile Digital Media Powered by PhatNoise system (interim ’05). Versatrak AWD is available and underscores the sport van capability of the SV6.

Bonneville

The Bonneville GXP returns for ’05 with its powerful, 275-horsepower (205-kW) V-8 engine and refined appearance. For 2005, the well-equipped SLE model receives the GXP’s sleek styling cues. SLE and SE models are powered by the proven 3800 V-6 and, like the GXP, they come with the safety, convenience and personalization features that make long drives more comfortable.