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.^[1]

GMC Typhoon
Overview
Manufacturer	GMC (General Motors)
Production	1992–1993 4697 produced
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size SUV
Body style	2-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Related	GMC Syclone GMC Jimmy/Chevrolet Blazer GMC Sonoma/Chevrolet S-10 Oldsmobile Bravada
Powertrain
Engine	4.3 L GM LB4 Turbocharged V-6
Transmission	4-speed 4L60 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	100.5 in (2553 mm)
Length	170.3 in (4326 mm)
Width	68.2 in (1732 mm)
Height	60.0 in (1524 mm)
Curb weight	3822 lb (1734 kg)

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 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 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

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

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

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. 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.