PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

It is related....sort of....it's a Pontiac!

I have a casual three months to search out a replacement for my company vehicle, the 08 Torrent GXP.

Requirement #1 is no less than 320 ft-lbs of torque.......if only the turbo 3.6 would be available for the "Equinox SS" with a dual clutch 6 speed close ratio auto (I wish)

#2 is an interior volume no less than the Torrent (Equinox Equivalent)

#3 is AWD or 4WD full time/part-time

#4 is gasoline not diesel.......the smell sickens me and the noise is no better

Am I looking for a truck??!
Fuel mileage is less important than weight. It should weigh no more than 4500 lbs......I know most trucks weigh more, not sure about the new aluminum body Fords.

I like the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Only $50-70K for what I would accept.
.....maybe a 2012....

Open to suggestions.......my loyalty to GM is waning!
....maybe a Tahoe! Opinions please.

I like the current Acadia and Traverse. The latest Durango is nice. Those might be above your weight range though. Maybe a Jeep? Wrangler Unlimited, or a V6 Journey?

I like the Acadia and Enclave also but they only come with the 3.6L that I have in the Torrent. Just not enough low end torque for my taste.....and they are a lot heavier than the Torrent.

Hmmm Durango has a V8 option but isn't it similar to the Tahoe? We only have a GM and a Ford dealer in this little town.

I would pick a Caravan over the Journey......or a 300 SRT Hellcat, LOL

Explorer Sport Ecoboost?

I didn't know it was available!!

You know I'll be looking into that Ford.

Serves GM right for getting behind.

I'd say the new GC EcoDiesel, but if diesel is off your list, then it's a no-go. The sound is virtually gone, and with the modern emissions stuff the smell/smoke from the tailpipe is gone. If you're concerned with the smell of the fuel itself, sure, I guess it's not awesome, but neither is gas, really. Fuel econ sounds to be magnificent, with as high of a towing rating as the Hemi, with much higher MPG. Just my $.02.

I read one new vehicle review(s) that believed the Durango/Aspen were the most under-rated SUV's on the market. IDK one way or the other, but it does deserve investigation. - BC

My dad has the new Ram Ecodiesel. Gets 30 mpg highway. Seriously.

The Ford Explorer Sport with the 3.5L Ecoboost at 350 hp and 420 ft-lbs has to move 4,850 lbs
Lighter than the Jeep GC
I have been looking at the GC Hemi...SRT...Summit 3L TD.....but at $70K
I know I could find a lesser GC for $50K and I might go that way when the time comes.

I saw a new Durango the other day in the parking lot and didn't recognize it from what I remember they used to look like.
Something else to look into. Does that come in 392?

PRD2BDF wrote:My dad has the new Ram Ecodiesel. Gets 30 mpg highway. Seriously.

When did he get it and how does he drive?

2000Silverbullet wrote:I like the Acadia and Enclave also but they only come with the 3.6L that I have in the Torrent. Just not enough low end torque for my taste.....and they are a lot heavier than the Torrent.

Hmmm Durango has a V8 option but isn't it similar to the Tahoe? We only have a GM and a Ford dealer in this little town.

I would pick a Caravan over the Journey......or a 300 SRT Hellcat, LOL

I don't think the Torrent 3.6 had direct injection, did it? The newer Acadia/traverse/enclave has another 30-40 HP.

00Beast wrote:

PRD2BDF wrote:My dad has the new Ram Ecodiesel. Gets 30 mpg highway. Seriously.

When did he get it and how does he drive?

Like three weeks ago. He drives like a dad, gentle and follows the limit, maybe 2-3 over if that.

I don't think the Torrent 3.6 had direct injection, did it? The newer Acadia/traverse/enclave has another 30-40 HP.

The Torrent 3.6 has VVT and a 7200 rpm redline. It shifts at 6800 rpm automatically but I can hold it to 7500 !
It doesn't have direct injection but it has identical torque numbers. That's the important number.

One thing this Torrent does not need is more hp above 6500 rpm. It needs more torque than 265 ft-lbs at 4000 rpm and certainly more at 2000 rpm.

The Enclave/Acadia has 100 more HP and 60 more lb-ft of torque than that Torrent. but they are about 1000 lbs heavier.

The Torrent GXP and Equinox Sport had about 260 HP.

Ya same torque but 20 to 40 more hp depending on intake and exhaust differences
....and yes 500 lbs weight diff