The GMC Typhoon is a high-performance SUV that GMC produced from 1992 until 1993. It was based on the 1991 GMC Syclone and used the same turbocharged V6 and all-wheel-drive layout in the body of a Jimmy.
GMC Typhoon at a glance
| Type | high-performance SUV |
|---|---|
| Production | 1992-1993 |
| Basis | GMC Jimmy, developed from the Syclone |
| Builder | Production Automotive Services, Troy, Michigan |
| Engine | 4.3 L LB4 turbocharged V6 |
| Power | 280 hp |
| Torque | 360 lb-ft |
| Boost | 14 psi |
| Transmission | 4L60 four-speed automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive, 35 percent front and 65 percent rear |
| 0-60 mph | 5.3 seconds |
| Quarter mile | 14.1 seconds at 95 mph |
| Price | US$29,970 |
| Built | 4,697, of which 2,497 in 1992 and 2,200 in 1993 |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the GMC Typhoon.
History of the GMC Typhoon
A Syclone for the family
The Typhoon followed the Syclone pickup and used the same approach in a sport-utility body. Its 4.3-litre LB4 V6 had unique pistons, main caps, head gaskets, intake manifolds, fuel system and exhaust manifolds and produced 280 hp and 360 lb-ft, against 190 hp for the standard Jimmy’s Vortec engine. A Mitsubishi TD06-17C turbocharger produced 14 psi of boost and a Garrett water/air intercooler cooled the charge, while the intake and exhaust manifolds were revised and the throttle body came from the 5.7-litre GM small-block.
Running gear
The Typhoon sent power to all four wheels through a 4L60 four-speed automatic and a BorgWarner 4472 transfer case that split torque 35 percent to the front and 65 percent to the rear. It also had uprated brakes, a limited-slip rear differential and sport modifications to the standard suspension. Unlike the Syclone, it featured an air-operated self-levelling rear suspension.
Performance and price
In Car and Driver tests the Typhoon reached 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and covered the quarter mile in 14.1 seconds at 95 mph. The magazine compared the Syclone’s performance favourably with the Ferrari 348ts, Chevrolet Corvette and Nissan 300ZX Turbo. The Typhoon cost US$29,970, and the same test criticised its plastic interior pieces.
Production
All three model years were built for GMC by Production Automotive Services of Troy, Michigan. Apart from a handful of prototypes, only 4,697 Typhoons were built, 2,497 for 1992 and 2,200 for 1993. Unlike the Syclone, which came only in black, the Typhoon was offered in various combinations of body and lower-body cladding colour, with black on black the most common: 1,262 in 1992 and 1,008 in 1993. Other 1992 colours included Frost White with grey and Apple Red with grey, while 1993 brought choices such as Frost White with white and Apple Red with red. A few one-off combinations were built, including a single Radar Blue on Radar Blue car in each year.
Design and features
- Turbocharged V6: a modified 4.3 with 14 psi of boost and a water/air intercooler.
- All-wheel drive: a BorgWarner transfer case with a 35/65 torque split.
- Self-levelling rear suspension: air-operated, and not fitted to the Syclone.
- Uprated chassis: better brakes, a limited-slip differential and sport suspension tuning.
- Colour choice: several body and cladding combinations, unlike the black-only Syclone.
GMC Typhoon versions
- Typhoon (1992): 2,497 built, most in black on black.
- Typhoon (1993): 2,200 built, with a wider range of colour combinations.
- Pre-production Typhoons (1991): six prototypes.
- Syclone (1991): the pickup that came first and shared the drivetrain.
- Sonoma GT (1992): the cheaper sport package without the turbo.
The Typhoon was based on the GMC Jimmy and shared its drivetrain with the GMC Syclone pickup. More performance cars are in the GMC collection.
Sources
- GMC Typhoon, English Wikipedia: engine, driveline, performance, price, production and colours
