GMC Syclone & Typhoon: 15 Mind-Blowing Facts You Didn’t Know
Discover the world of the GMC Syclone and Typhoon, trailblazing all-wheel-drive performance trucks from the '80s.
Updated: August 23, 2023 // Did You Know?
Home // Did You Know? //
What are the GMC Syclone & Typhoon?
The GMC Syclone and Typhoon, with their turbocharged prowess and all-wheel-drive domination, stormed the market, bringing a surge of power and performance that was nothing short of revolutionary. Let’s dive into the exhilarating world of these trailblazing trucks and uncover 20 sensational facts that make them legends of their time!
This was before the Ford F-150 Lightning roared onto the scene, before the Viper-powered Dodge Ram SRT-10 gave us a taste of muscle truck madness, before the Chevrolet S-10 Xtreme amped up compact pickups, this duo redefined the truck and SUV space.
Related: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk: What We Know So Far
1. The Almost-Buick Syclone
The GMC Syclone almost inherited the turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 engine from the iconic Buick Grand National. Picture this: Buick engineers stuffed the Grand National’s potent engine into a Chevy S-10, gave it Grand National flair, and even a bulging hood! Unfortunately, GM and Chevrolet declined, citing high costs. GMC’s enthusiasm for a Grand National-style pickup remained, but the engine swap was deemed too pricey.
2. Born in the ’80s
The GMC Syclone burst onto the scene as an ’80s baby, making its debut at the 1989 North American International Auto Show in Detroit before hitting the streets in 1991.
Related: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT vs. Trackhawk: Which is Best?
3. Out-of-House Innovation
The Syclone and Typhoon weren’t born in GMC’s own garage. These exceptional models were crafted by Production Automotive Services in Troy, Michigan, alongside other performance marvels like the Pontiac Turbo Trans Am and the GMC Sonoma GT.
4. That Spelling Twist!
Why spell it “Syclone”? Maybe it’s the nod to the “S” in “S-10” and “Sonoma.” Or perhaps it was to avoid confusion with the Mercury Cyclone. Who knows? But one thing’s for sure—it added a touch of coolness!
Related: 8 Amazing & Unusual Facts about General Motors (GM)
5. Limited Productions
The Syclone and Typhoon’s reign was short but impactful, lasting from 1991 to 1993. The Syclone emerged first, with 2,995 units in 1991 and an additional 3 in ’92 (just missed that 3,000 mark!). The Typhoon followed, producing 2,497 units in 1992 and 2,200 in 1993. A rare breed indeed!
Related: Car Companies That Were Killed Off in the 21st Century
6. International Presence
No, they weren’t confined to the U.S. Of the 2,995 Syclones produced, 113 jet-setted to Saudi Arabia. Interestingly, 30 of these Saudi Syclones made a round trip, ending up as prizes for lucky GMC employees in a lottery.
7. Syclone & Typhoon Had a Need for Speed
Weighing in at 3,599 pounds, the Syclone’s lighter stature compared to the Typhoon (3,822 pounds) translated to quicker acceleration, setting it apart on the asphalt.
The Syclone packed a punchy turbocharged 4.3-liter V-6 engine, belting out 280 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, outclassing the contemporary Sonoma’s non-turbo six. Special tweaks, including a Mitsubishi TD06-17C turbocharger, propelled the Syclone into the realm of legends.
8. Lightning-Fast Acceleration
GMC’s bold claim of a sub-five-second zero-to-60-mph sprint for the Syclone wasn’t just a boast—it was reality! A blazing 4.6 seconds to 60 and 13.4 seconds in the quarter-mile proved this truck meant business. The Typhoon clocked in at a respectable mid-five-second range with a top speed of 124 mph.
9. The Van Connection
Guess where the Syclone and Typhoon borrowed their full-time all-wheel drive from? The GMC Safari van, or its Chevy counterpart, the Astro. It’s like they took a hint from the family van’s playbook!
Related: Best 5 Sleepers From The 2000s That Still Torch in 2023
10. Pontiac Twist
The gauge package of these beasts borrowed a page from the Pontiac Sunbird Turbo playbook, complete with a turbo boost gauge for added oomph.
11. Tamed for the Streets
Don’t mistake them for off-road warriors! A warning in the Syclone’s cab reminds you it’s a street truck, not built for off-road adventures. Bumpy trails are a no-go!
Related: Best 7 American Sleeper Cars You Need to Know About
12. Hauling Limits
With a meager 500-pound payload capacity, the Syclone irked truck enthusiasts who expected more from a pickup. Towing? The factory said, “Don’t even think about it.”
13. Self-Leveling Magic
The Typhoon boasted rear self-leveling air suspension, just like luxury Mercedes-Benzes of the era. Load up the cargo, and the Typhoon maintained its sleek stance with recalibrated shock absorbers and modified suspension.
14. Bold Advertising
GMC’s ad comparing the Syclone to a Porsche 911 Carrera 4 raised eyebrows and excitement. “Think of it as a Porsche 911 that really ‘hauls.'” Talk about making a statement!
15. Performance at a Price
These trucks were a cut above in terms of price. The Syclone asked for $25,970 in 1991, and the ’92 Typhoon commanded $29,530—a premium worth every horsepower!
Related: Can I Lose My House Due to an At-Fault Car Accident?
Bonus: SyTy Nation
Forums, events, and enthusiasts galore—welcome to the world of “SyTy.” Short for Syclone and Typhoon, it’s a community that keeps the legacy alive. Bonus fun: Clint Eastwood and Jay Leno drive them, but Chuck Norris’s preference remains a mystery!
GMC Syclone & Typhoon Final Thoughts
Before the era of performance trucks became mainstream, the GMC Syclone and Typhoon were a dynamic duo that set the bar high and blazed a trail that others would follow. These trucks may have been ahead of their time, but their impact and legacy continues in speed SUVs like the Trackhawk. As collectors and enthusiasts hunt down these ’80s gems, the spirit of the Syclone and Typhoon lives on, reminding us of a time when performance knew no bounds.
Disclaimer: The writers of this article may have used artificial intelligence to help them with some of the material. It should not be a replacement for professional help.