GMC Cars - General Motors Cars

GMC Syclone/Cyclone Car

The Syclone was a high-performance version of the GMC Sonoma pickup truck. Produced in 1991, the Syclone spawned the similarly powered 1992-1993 GMC Typhoon SUV. Another vehicle, the GMC Sonoma GT, offered less performance but was seen as a companion model.

GMC Syclone
$3,050-$11,500

Both the Syclone and Typhoon (SyTy) trucks featured a Mitsubishi TD06-17C 8 cm? turbocharger and Garrett water/air intercooler attached to a 4.3 L LB4 V6 engine with unique pistons, main caps, head gaskets, intake manifolds, fuel system, exhaust manifolds, and a throttle body from the 5.7 L GM Small-Block engine. All SyTy's had a 700R4 (4L60) 4-speed automatic transmission. A Borg Warner all wheel drive 1372/4472 transfer case split torque with 35% forward and 65% to the rear wheels. Both trucks featured upgraded brakes and sport modifications to the standard suspensions. The Syclone was the first production truck to receive a 4 wheel anti-lock braking system. Output was 280 hp (209 kW) and 360 ft.lbf (488 Nm). The Syclone were capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds and could do a quarter-mile run in about 13 seconds.

In 1991 Syclones were available in black only. 1992 models were to be offered in a wider range of colors before they were canceled. 2995 Syclones were built in 1991, and 3 in 1992. 113 (estimated 31 returned) were reported as Export Sales including a subset now referred to as the Saudi Syclones — a small number were delivered to Saudi Arabia and modified with a metric dash cluster, leaded fuel chip, and a resonator in place of the catalytic converter.

There were two special 1991 Syclones offered by third-parties:

Marlboro converted ten to give away in a promotion. The Marlboro Syclones were repainted Hot Licks Red and received a targa top, racing seats, performance chip changer, hard tonneau cover, wheels, Borla exhaust, and white sticker package.

Three Indy Syclones were used at the Indianapolis 500 race on May 24th, 1992 with the only modifications being a sticker package. One of these Indy trucks was converted into the PPG Syclone Pace Truck (though it was not the official pace car) with significant modifications, including a multi-colored silver, magenta, and aqua paint scheme, a molded in light bar in the roof, a racing fuel cell and fire system.

The Syclone, Typhoon, and Sonoma GT were built for GMC by Production Automotive Services of Troy, Michigan and sold through dealerships.