GMC Typhoon

GMC Typhoon
Overview
Manufacturer	GMC (General Motors)
Production	1992–1993 4697 produced
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size SUV
Body style	3-door SUV
Layout	All Wheel Drive
Related	GMC Syclone GMC Jimmy/Chevrolet Blazer GMC Sonoma/Chevrolet S-10 Oldsmobile Bravada
Powertrain
Engine	4.3 L LB4 turbo V6
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)
Chronology
Successor	Chevrolet Trailblazer SS

The GMC Typhoon is a high-performance version of the GMC Jimmy SUV. Produced in 1992 and 1993 by GMC, the Typhoon was based on the 1991 Jimmy.

Both the GMC Syclone and Typhoon trucks featured a Mitsubishi TD06-17C/8 cm² turbocharger and Garrett Water/Air intercooler attached to a 4.3 L LB4 V6 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. All Syclones and Typhoons had a 700r4 4-speed automatic transmission and a BorgWarner 1372 (Syclone)/4472 (Typhoon) transfer case splitting torque with 35% forward and 65% to the rear wheels. Both trucks featured all-wheel drive, upgraded brakes, and sport modifications to the standard suspensions. Unlike the Syclone, the Typhoon featured an air-operated self-leveling rear suspension. Output was 280 hp (209 kW) and 360 lb·ft (488 N·m).

The Typhoon was capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and could do a quarter-mile run in 14.5 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. It cost US$29,970, though the magazine criticized the plasticy interior pieces.

All three trucks 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 in 1992, and 2,200 in 1993. Unlike regular production Syclones, Typhoons were offered in various color configurations that differed by year, with black/black being the most common.

Clint Eastwood is a noteworthy Typhoon owner.

1991

• Typhoon Prototype (6)

1992

• Black w/ Black (1262 Total)
• Black w/ Gray (130 Total)
• Frost White w/ Gray (518 Total)
• Apple Red w/ Gray (345 Total)
• Bright Teal w/ Gray (132 Total)
• Forest Green Metallic w/ Gray (82 Total)
• Aspen Blue w/ Gray (28 Total)
• Radar Blue w/ Radar Blue (1 Total**)
• Raspberry Metallic w/ Raspberry Metallic (2 Total**)

(**These 3 factory test colors are included in the totals of the seven original color combinations)

1993

• Black w/ Black (1,008 Total)
• Black w/ Gray (98 Total)
• Frost White w/ White (532 Total***)
• Frost White w/ Gray (115 Total)
• Apple Red w/ Apple Red (77 Total)
• Apple Red w/ Gray (101 Total)
• Forest Green Metallic w/ Gray (210 Total)
• Garnet Red w/ Gray (24 Total)
• Royal Blue Metallic w/ Gray (35 Total)

(***Total includes 1 Radar Blue w/ Radar Blue factory test color truck)

External links

• Syclone, Typhoon, Sonoma GT Forum
• Syclone, Typhoon, Sonoma GT Database & History
• Syclone, Typhoon, Sonoma GT Restoration & Parts

References

• Arthur St. Antoine. "Road Test: GMC Typhoon". Car and Driver (March 1992): 63–67.