GMC Typhoon


The GMC Typhoon is a high-performance SUV, produced from 1992 until 1993 by GMC. The Typhoon was based on the 1991 GMC Syclone.

Description

Like the GMC Syclone, the Typhoon is powered by a 4.3 L LB4 V6 engine with unique pistons, main caps, head gaskets, intake manifolds, fuel system and exhaust manifolds, producing and 360 lb⋅ft of torque. The engine is a modified version of the Vortec engine found in the standard Jimmy, which originally produced. The engine uses a Mitsubishi TD06-17C/8 cm2 turbocharger producing of boost and a Garrett Water/Air intercooler, as well as revised intake manifolds, fuel system, exhaust manifolds, and a twin-bore throttle body from the 5.7 L GM Small-Block engine. The Typhoon sends power to all four wheels through a 4L60 4-speed automatic transmission and a BorgWarner 4472 transfer case splitting torque with 35% forward and 65% to the rear wheels. Other features include upgraded brakes, a limited-slip rear differential and sport modifications to the standard suspensions. Unlike the Syclone, the Typhoon featured an air-operated self-leveling rear suspension.
During tests by Car and Driver, the Typhoon was capable of accelerating from in 5.3 seconds and could do a quarter-mile run in 14.1 seconds at. Car and Driver compared the Syclone's performance favorably to the Ferrari 348ts, Chevrolet Corvette, and Nissan 300ZX Turbo. It cost 29,970, though the magazine criticized the plastic interior pieces.

Production and colors

All three model years were built for GMC by Production Automotive Services of Troy, Michigan. Aside from a handful of prototypes, only 4,697 Typhoons were built by GMC: 2,497 for 1992, and 2,200 for 1993. Unlike regular production Syclones, Typhoons were offered in various exterior color configurations that differed by year, with black/black being the most common.
1991
  • Typhoon Pre-Production
1992
  • Midnight Black with Black
  • Midnight Black with Gray
  • Frost White with Gray
  • Apple Red with Gray
  • Bright Teal with Gray
  • Forest Green Metallic with Gray
  • Aspen Blue with Gray
  • Raspberry Metallic with Raspberry Metallic
  • Radar Blue with Radar Blue
1993
  • Midnight Black with Black
  • Midnight Black with Gray
  • Frost White with White
  • Frost White with Gray
  • Apple Red with Apple Red
  • Apple Red with Gray
  • Forest Green Metallic with Gray
  • Garnet Red with Gray
  • Royal Blue Metallic with Gray
  • Radar Blue with Radar Blue