GMC Syclone Returns to GMC Dealers With 455 HP Via Tuner Company
Remember the 1991 GMC Syclone? Of course you do, the Syclone is a legend in the truck world. It was a totally insane turbocharged GMC Sonoma pickup truck made for just one model year that featured all-wheel drive and the ability to accelerate tire-to-tire with the exotic cars of the day. Since its demise, enthusiasts have been clamoring for a new one because just less than 3,000 were built. GMC hasn’t shown any interest in offering one, so aftermarket tuner Specialty Vehicle Engineering (the company formerly known as SLP) decided to make and sell one, based on the 2019 GMC Canyon, available through select GMC dealers.
So now you can relive your high school crush by heading down to your GMC dealer and plunking down some cash for a reimagined, updated version of the Syclone. SVE has upgraded the truck into a hairy-chested brawler, and the results are drool-worthy.
It starts under the hood, where SVE added a supercharger to the 3.6-liter V-6, boosting output to 455 horsepower and 425 pounds-feet of torque. The truck can be had in two- or four-wheel-drive versions, but only in extended-cab models. You also can specify any of the factory colors, but why would you get any color other than proper Syclone black? The brakes are replaced by new six-piston front calipers, painted red with black “Syclone” graphics, while the front rotors are replaced by 13.6-inch slotted two-piece parts.
The suspension is upgraded with SVE’s Sport Suspension Package, lowering the truck 2 inches up front and 5 inches in the rear to make it much more level than before. Heavy-duty traction bars, HD spring bushings, a beefier rear sway bar, and different shock absorbers front and rear tackle the truck’s handling abilities, while a stainless-steel cat-back dual exhaust adds both performance and aural enhancements.
Visually, the new Syclone gets 20-inch five-spoke wheels with Syclone graphics, and Y-speed-rated performance tires. A new hood insert is fitted with unique “455HP” badges, while body-color rocker panels, grille surround, grille bars and rear bumper complete the monochromatic look. Syclone door and tailgate badges are added as well. Inside, new custom seat trim is included with embroidered red Syclone badging, custom embroidered floormats, a numbered dash plaque and two numbered key fobs.
What’s all this special speed equipment and murdered-out bodywork going to run you? The package costs a cool $39,995 on top of the cost a basic GMC Canyon pickup. SVE handles the three-year, 36,000-miles powertrain warranty since the engine has been heavily modified. If you want one, however, better act fast — SVE plans to make only 100, and they’re sure to be popular.
