Do you remember the 1991 GMC Syclone? Produced in less than 3000 examples and powered by a turbocharged 4.3-liter V6 engine, it was a physics-bending pickup with all-wheel-drive and the ability to outrun any production Ferrari from the early '90s. Based on the S10 pickup, Syclone was an extraordinary machine, dressed in jet black paint, unique wheels, and bright red decals. It was stealthy, menacing, and brutally fast, even by today's standards.
Fast forward 30 years, and muscle car fans didn't forget the 1991 Syclone and its surprisingly quick acceleration. Although the GM seems to be reluctant to reincarnate the iconic pickup in modern form officially, this doesn't mean that you cannot have a 2021 Syclone. In 2019 company called SVE (Specialty Vehicle Engineering) based in New Jersey started offering a Syclone conversion. Based on GMC Canyon pickup and equipped with supercharged V6 with whopping 455 hp on tap. However, for the 2021 model year, SVE introduced a new version of their GMC Syclone, which took the performance truck concept to another level.
Again, it is based on Canyon extended cab truck, which is the smallest and lightest pickup in the GMC lineup, and again, it comes in jet black color. But the biggest news is under the hood. Even though having a supercharged or turbocharged V6 in modern-day Syclone would be historically correct, guys from SVE realized that this combo would not deliver the grunt they wanted. So, they turned to good-old small-block power and installed a 5.3-liter V8, replacing the factory four-cylinder engine. This is not the ordinary GM engine, but a hand-built performance unit with an aluminum block, forged aluminum pistons, high-flow cylinder heads, and topped with a supercharger. The result is astonishing, and the 2021 GMC Syclone by SVE delivers 750 hp, which puts it in supercar territory!
However, SVE didn't just concentrate on the engine and invested a lot of time and attention in other aspects of the vehicle. The braking system was improved with massive 13.6-inches rotors in the front and 6-piston calipers. The front and rear suspension have been given a new set of shocks and springs as well as beefier drive shafts. The factory 8-speed automatic is retained but thoroughly strengthened to handle all that power and torque. The 2021 Syclone by SVE comes only as an all-wheel-drive, so 0 to 60 mph times are very competitive. The whole package is completed with a set of performance Michelin rubber and special 20-inch lightweight wheels.
Of course, the visual aspect is almost as important as the performance, and SVE honored the legacy of GMC's muscle truck with black paint (although any factory color is available for order), discrete details, and signature red badges straight from the early '90s. Subtle changes in the interior include leather upholstery as an option. There will be only 50 2021 GMC Canyon Cyclones built, which makes this fantastic truck not only as fast as any Italian supercar, but even more exclusive and rarer.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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