Solstice and Torrent Event
By 1990 Turbo Grand Prix

Yesterday, July 21, 2005, was my first experience behind the wheel of the 2006 Pontiac Solstice and Torrent. Skeptical and excited were the feelings going into the event for the two new hot Pontiacs. After the training, I left impressed at the direction Pontiac is taking though there is still much that can and should be done.

First, the Torrent.

Let me start by saying that though the Torrent is a slightly restyled Equinox in physical appearance, the Torrent lives up to the hype as a “Driver’s SUV”. Now it must be said that with the 3.4 V6, it’s no rocket ship. But in comparison to its major competitors, Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento, the power figure of 185hp means nothing as it’s far faster than those in its class. Period.

Now for the claim of “Driver’s SUV”, this comes in through the handling and road feel. Though I’ve never made remarks about the Equinox online, I do like it, but steering feel and road feel through the car felt disconnected to me. And the interior trim left much to be wanted. For the vast majority of people who have purchased one, it never is an issue. But to the enthusiast such as myself and many on this message board, it felt needing something. That’s where the new Torrent shines. Its electric power steering has been tuned in nearly perfect as can be, feeling hydraulic in its operation. Body roll and road feel are a near perfect balance between ride and handling. The new interior trim pieces and gauges along with the sharp new corporate three spoke steering wheel make a much better, higher quality look inside.

In all, its looks, road feel, and power steering adjustments make this more than a warmed over Equinox. Though I still would like to see a 3.9 V6 stuffed under the hood, the way it feels when you drive makes it a true Pontiac SUV.

The fact whether or not the vehicle should exist or not is still up in the air to me. Not because a Pontiac SUV is an oxymoron, but because rather than having two average selling SUV’s, why not make the already good selling Equinox better with the changes to the Torrent? Time will tell how good a decision this model is, but in the meantime, I know which one I’d own.

Now, the Solstice.

After all the reading and studying I’ve done on the Solstice, I could hardly wait to get myself behind the wheel of Pontiac’s “Sexy, Gorgeous two seat roadster”. Seeing the line up of fifteen or so Solstices, in all colors, immediately made my mouth water. I could barely sleep waiting for the road trip with the hot new roadster.

Being that this is no warmed over anything, I was curious as to how this car would ride and handle, in addition to its acceleration, of course. First, I’ll go on record of saying how tight these cars felt for being pre-production cars. Going down the road, the Solstice felt tight and surefooted and kept a straight line down the road. It’s handling was go-cart like in its ability to zig and zag around tight corners. Very fun indeed! Speaking of corners, it cornered flat as Nevada. Body roll wasn’t a problem in the Solstice, as it shouldn’t be.

For power, the 2.4 VVT Ecotec proves to be a quick motor in the Solstice so long as you keep it in its power band, which is quite higher up on the scale than my LS1 T/A (duh!) to which I couldn’t help but compare to. Clutch take up in our preproduction cars was a bit higher up than I like, acting much as the new 2005 C6 does. Its smoothness, like all manual transmissions, depends on how smooth you are, but wasn’t as even as the take up on my 2002 T/A. The shifter is snick-snick quick, and gear changes and smooth and sure.

When you start rolling along, its acceleration is adequate, but not neck snapping. I had to remind myself that this is a sporting car, and not a drag racer. A turboed Ecotec motor would do wonders for the Solstice. Again though, if you keep it in the higher RPM’s, you’ll have a blast, and the exhaust note’s not too bad either, kind of like an ornery hornet.

The looks are pure enjoyment. When you are in the driver’s seat, you are greeted with clear gauges and a hood-line to die for. Again, the three spoke steering wheel has an excellent feel in your hand with a direct feel to the road. Ergo wise, everything is placed where you would want it to be and well within reach. The standard sound system did a good job, but the up-level system with the sub behind the seat is better.

Raising and lowering the top is so simple and fun to watch, you may do it just for fun! The looks with the top up are sharp too. Rearward vision, though not great, is adequate. Trust me; you’ll only want to look forward at that hood anyways.

For gripes, one has to put into perspective the price and mission of this car. Anyone expecting a Corvette for $19,995 will be disappointed. Little things like the side mounted fixed-mast antennae, XM antennae on the trunk, lack of gut wrenching torque and dual outlet exhaust, were the only things that really made my list of things I’d change to this car as it sits now. But changing these items would raise the price and in the process, lower the appeal of the product.

But if you understand that you are buying one of America’s hottest roadsters for the dollar, this is your ticket.

Now, you may be asking yourself, “Is that all?” Why, no, it’s not. On hand, they also had a 2006 Grand Prix GXP for display. Why do I bring this up? For those who gripe about the interior being stark and all black lacking any appeal, the refinements for 2006 bring out the GP’s interior in a new light. Chrome rings around vents and door latches, satin chrome on the door handles, perforation on the steering wheel and shift ****, amongst others help make the GP stand out over lesser Pontiacs. This V8 Pontiac may have to be my next driver.

Also on hand was a G6 GTP coupe, but those you can see at your local dealers now.
And lastly, when you thought this experience couldn’t be topped, it did. For me at least.

While the training was going on, an Oldsmobile collectors meeting was starting to gather. The most beautiful Oldsmobiles in the world were here to attend the show. Amazing 88’s, Rockets, convertibles, everything you can think of. But the kicker came when the GM trucks came in hauling in some of the most prized Oldsmobiles in GM’s collection.

Three that stick out were a 1911 Olds with; get this, a straight six with a displacement of 707 cubic inches! This Olds, we were told, could reach 100mph back in 1911, simply an amazing machine. The second of note was an Oldsmobile hot rod with a 700+hp 4.0 Aurora V8. And lastly, the final Oldsmobile produced, a 2004 Final 500 Oldsmobile Alero signed under the hood by all the GM workers involved.

From that point on, I made an oath to do what I can to ensure a future in Oldsmobile, no matter what. If you were there, you’d know what I mean.

Thanks for reading.

Lew

 

Thanks. Very interesting report. Any pics of the GP interior?

 

Actually, the only pics I took where with a disposable camera for the dealership to show the colors of all the Solstices. The GP was in a darker room where the pics would have come out bad if at all.

 

Nice review Lew.

 

Hmm......anyone know what a Torrent weighs? I am wondering if it makes more then the 185 if its much faster then an Escape. I can uderstad blowing away the others....but if it best the Escape, thats impressive.

 

I don't fully understand how that could be possible considering the Escape's 200 hp v6.

2006 escape 4x4 curb weight: 3492 (yahoo autos)
2006 Torrent AWD curb weight: 3776 (pontiac.com)

 

Well, it is a little surprising given the 15 hp deficit and the apparent weight difference, but the Escape V6 does feel like a DOG (I had one as a rental car once). The 'Nox does have a five speed auto vs. four speeds in the Escape. Also, I believe the Equinox engine makes more torque down low than the 3.0L in the Equinox.

For some numbers, check out this comparison test. The 'Nox was 1.5 seconds quicker to 60 mph than the Escape (both awd). It also got better observed fuel economy, and posted better handling/braking numbers.

 

That is awesome! thanks for posting the comparo. I constantly hear people boasting about the escape and tribute's "fun to drive" personality, so i am surprised. Not that the escape/tribute aren't fun to drive, I just assumed they would be top dog. That is awesome to see the numbers and know that the 'nox wins.

 

Bingo, this is how the Equinox/Torrent makes its speed.

 

Torrent comes equipped pretty well, with one exception. Cruise control is optional; but that's not the best part. It is available only with the "preferred package" which is $1555. In other words, if you want a Torrent with cruise control, you gotta pay an additional $1555. What genius came up with that?

 

Or you can add it on aftermarket. It just won't be integrated into the steering wheel like the factory piece.

 

Uhhhh....someone reread the last posts, and not ONE was about the Solstice!!
I must say, I want one!! This is what I wanted to hear, about its handling and its just all out sex appeal. If I had the money, I'd go see either you or Jason (whoever is closer) and put money down.