GMC Typhoon | |
Production: | 1992–1993 4697 produced |
Manufacturer: | GMC (General Motors) |
Class: | Mid-size SUV |
Body Style: | 2-door SUV |
Related: | GMC Syclone GMC Jimmy/Chevrolet Blazer GMC Sonoma/Chevrolet S-10 Oldsmobile Bravada |
Engine: | 4.3 L GM LB4 Turbocharged V-6 |
Transmission: | 4-speed 4L60 automatic |
Wheelbase: | 100.5 in (2553 mm) |
Length: | 170.3 in (4326 mm) |
Width: | 68.2 in (1732 mm) |
Height: | 60.0 in (1524 mm) |
Weight: | 3822 lb (1734 kg) |
Layout: | Front-engine, four-wheel-drive |
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]
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 280hp 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 190hp.[2] The engine uses a Mitsubishi TD06-17C/8 cm2 turbocharger producing 14NaN of boost and a Garrett Water/Air intercooler, as well as revised intake manifolds, fuel system, exhaust manifolds, and a 480NaN0 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) 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 0mph60mph in 5.3 seconds and could do a quarter-mile run in 14.1 seconds at 95mph. 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.
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.
1991
1992
1993