Upcoming GMC Syclone Tribute Promises 750 HP, AWD
Specialty Vehicle Engineering is preparing to unleash a fitting tribute to GM’s original muscle truck by making its own Syclone.
When General Motors introduced the GMC Typhoon and Syclone, they immediately surpassed most exotic cars in terms of performance. Heck, even by modern standards, they’re plenty fast. Sadly, despite the increasing popularity of mid-size trucks, the dearth of on-road performance pickups remains fully evident.
Specialty Vehicle Engineering seems aware of the current situation in the truck market. That’s probably why they’ve been hard at work with their own tributes to the Syclone. In contrast to their previous work, their new model forges its own path with a 750 horsepower supercharged V8. That might sound like heresy to purists, but given the unofficial nature of these models, we should be happy they simply exist.
A Storm is Brewing
When the original Syclone premiered nearly thirty years ago, it pretty much introduced the world to the muscle truck. General Motors outfitted the workhorse 4.3 liter V6 with a twin-turbo setup and a whole bunch of other upgrades. As a result, the pickup accelerated from 0-60 mph in a claimed 4.3 seconds. But the world wasn’t ready for vehicles like it and its close relative, the GMC Typhoon. Syclone production stopped at just under 3,000 units. That makes them very collectible vehicles.
Fittingly, the current Syclone tribute model is itself a low volume affair with serious performance. Specialty Vehicle Engineering took 50 regular Canyons and worked their magic on the 3.6 liter V6. Output is rated at 455 horsepower. That’s a substantial upgrade from the 305 horsepower engine on regular models. Additionally, the company adds beefier brakes all around and lowers the ride height by 2 inches up front and 5 inches in the back, presumably for a more aggressive stance. Naturally, heavy duty shocks are part of the package too. Combined with a host of cosmetic changes, the 455 horsepower Syclone is a serious beast.
Forecast Calls For a Mighty Syclone
Unfortunately, Specialty Vehicle Engineering is currently tight-lipped on what the newest Syclone tribute model will pack in terms of equipment and other goodies. All we know is that it will offer four-wheel traction and 750 horsepower. If the 455 horsepower variant is any indication, it will gain the right type of functional upgrades one would expect for such an animal. Similarly, it should mimic the imposing yet understated look of the existing model. In any event, 750 horsepower is an absurd number for a mid-size pickup. And stuffing a V8 into what is ostensibly a Canyon is pure insanity, which is why we like what they’re doing.
For comparison’s sake, 750 horsepower is exactly 100 more horsepower than a ZL1 Camaro. A 2020 Ford GT500 boasts 10 more horsepower but lacks all-wheel drive. And the Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat models are down by 43 horsepower when compared to the Syclone. And it practically goes without saying that factory pickups like the Raptor cannot compare. In any event, Specialty Vehicle Engineering historically makes some pretty formidable vehicles. After all, the company was responsible for the initial run of fourth generation Camaro SS models, when it was still known as SLP Engineering. As of right now, the only tasty morsel we have is the Syclone’s exhaust note. Make sure to head over to the company’s Facebook page to hear it.
Photos: Specialty Vehicle Engineering