The GMC Typhoon is a high-performance SUV, produced from 1992 until 1993 by GMC. The Typhoon was based on the 1991 GMC Syclone.[1]

GMC Typhoon
Overview
ManufacturerGMC (General Motors)
Production1992–1993
4697 produced
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size SUV
Body style2-door SUV
LayoutFront-engine, four-wheel-drive
RelatedGMC Syclone
GMC Jimmy/Chevrolet Blazer
GMC Sonoma/Chevrolet S-10
Oldsmobile Bravada
Powertrain
Engine4.3 L GM LB4 Turbocharged V-6
Transmission4-speed 4L60 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase100.5 in (2553 mm)
Length170.3 in (4326 mm)
Width68.2 in (1732 mm)
Height60.0 in (1524 mm)
Curb weight3822 lb (1734 kg)

Description

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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 280 hp (209 kW) and 360 lb⋅ft (475 N⋅m) of torque. The engine is a modified version of the Vortec engine found in the standard Jimmy, which originally produced 190 hp (142 kW).[2] The engine uses a Mitsubishi TD06-17C/8 cm2 turbocharger producing 14 psi (0.97 bar) of boost and a Garrett Water/Air intercooler, as well as revised intake manifolds, fuel system, exhaust manifolds, and a 48 mm (2 in) twin-bore throttle body from the 5.7 L GM Small-Block engine.[3] The Typhoon sends power to all four wheels through a 4L60 4-speed automatic transmission and a BorgWarner 4472 (the Syclone used a BorgWarner 1372)[citation needed] 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.[4]

During tests by Car and Driver, the Typhoon was capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 5.3 seconds[1] and could do a quarter-mile run in 14.1 seconds at 95 mph (153 km/h). Car and Driver compared the Syclone's performance favorably to the Ferrari 348ts, Chevrolet Corvette, and Nissan 300ZX Turbo.[1] It cost US$29,970, though the magazine criticized the plastic interior pieces.

Production and colors

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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 (body color/lower-body cladding color) that differed by year, with black/black being the most common.

 
1992 GMC Typhoon in Frost White (rear right)

1991

  • Typhoon Pre-Production (6 total)

1992

  • Midnight Black with Black (1,262 total[a])
  • Midnight Black with Gray (130 total)
  • Frost White with Gray (518 total[b])
  • Apple Red with Gray (345 total)
  • Bright Teal with Gray (132 total)
  • Forest Green Metallic with Gray (82 total)
  • Aspen Blue with Gray (28 total)
  • Raspberry Metallic with Raspberry Metallic (3 total[c])
  • Radar Blue with Radar Blue (1 total[c])


1993

  • Midnight Black with Black (1,008 total)
  • Midnight Black with Gray (98 total)
  • Frost White with White (532 total[d])
  • Frost White with Gray (115 total)
  • Apple Red with Apple Red (77 total)
  • Apple Red with Gray (101 total)
  • Forest Green Metallic with Gray (210 total)
  • Garnet Red with Gray (24 total)
  • Royal Blue Metallic with Gray (35 total)
  • Radar Blue with Radar Blue (1 total[c])

Notes

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  1. ^ Total includes 1 Raspberry Metallic w/ Raspberry Metallic factory test color truck.
  2. ^ Total includes 2 Raspberry Metallic w/ Raspberry Metallic and 1 Radar Blue w/ Radar Blue factory test color truck.
  3. ^ a b c These factory test colors are included in the totals of the original color combinations.
  4. ^ Total includes 1 Radar Blue w/ Radar Blue factory test color truck.

References

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  1. ^ a b c St. Antoine, Arthur (March 1992). "Road Test: GMC Typhoon" (PDF). Car and Driver. 37 (9): 63–67. Retrieved July 6, 2017.
  2. ^ "Muscle Cars You Should Know: GMC Typhoon / Syclone". Street Muscle. 2016-09-19. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
  3. ^ "1992 GMC Typhoon: First Drive Flashback". Road & Track. 2015-07-30. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
  4. ^ Huizenga, Paul (27 February 2018). "Storm on the Horizon: Tracing Today's Super SUV Origins". Driving Line. Nitto Tire. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
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