The GMC Syclone is What We Need to Make a Comeback!

Remember the Syclone? It was in production for only a short time, but it made a big impression. A used GMC Syclone will cost almost as much as a new truck.

Let’s look at the past, present, and potential future of this powerhouse pickup.

No Ordinary Truck

The all-black low-rider GMC Syclone was more hot-rod than truck. It could haul 500 pounds, and if you absolutely had to, you could tow 2,000 pounds. And don’t even think about taking a Syclone off-road. Its lack of ground clearance—not to mention skid plates—left the chassis and drivetrain vulnerable to debris.

But the Syclone left plenty of dropped jaws in its wake out on the drag strip. It debuted in 1991 as a high-performance pickup wrapped in the body of a GMC Sonoma. Powered by a 4.3L V6 that produced 280 horsepower, the Syclone took 5.3 seconds to get from 0-60 and famously left Ferrari eating its dust. GM even ran cheeky ads comparing this muscle truck to a Porsche 911.

GM only made the Syclone in 1991, producing fewer than 3,000 units, including a limited number of Marlboro-branded red Syclone trucks. As you might guess, these are collector’s items, and if you find one for sale, it will come with a hefty price tag.

Is a New Syclone Available?

Sort of. Specialty Vehicle Engineering brought back the Syclone badge as an all-new (very) limited-edition super truck.

Based on the 2022 GMC Canyon Elevation, SVE swapped in a 750-horsepower supercharged power plant. The 5.3L V8 teams up with an upgraded eight-speed automatic transmission to crank out 600 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive Syclone sprints from 0-60 in around four seconds.

SVE offers the low-rider Syclone in any of the GM OEM colors, including the original black with red trim. The interior is available with leather-appointed seats with contrast stitching.

If you want one, though, act fast: SVE is only making 50 of them for 2022.

Will GMC Make a New Syclone?

GM hasn’t announced the Syclone’s return, but with the automaker’s commitment to transitioning to an electric line, there could be a place for this hot rod truck in the GMC lineup. Sure, it may be niche, but you can make the same argument about the Hummer EV pickup. An Electric Syclone could easily fit between the Hummer EV truck and the upcoming GMC Sierra Denali Electric Truck.

Given the power and acceleration available in new EVs, an all-electric Syclone might earn a new set of fans who want the versatility of a light truck and the asphalt-chewing athleticism of a muscle car.

Ready to Hunt One Down?

As much as we want to see them in GMC showrooms, the Syclone appears destined to remain a limited commodity. But if you’re determined to make one of these high-performance pickups your own, look for a used GMC Syclone online or be among the few to get your hands on a new SVE model.