Syclone was the performance-oriented version of the GMC Sonoma truck, a sibling to the Chevy S-10. This was a one-season wonder in 1991 and the company has ended the production after that. A lot of things have changed ever since, and General Motors is delivering different models with the GMC badge. Currently, you can find mid-size Canyon and full-size Sierra 1500. But, do not be surprised when you see the 2021 GMC Syclone on the streets! The nameplate is back as the model by SVE – Specialty Vehicle Engineering.
Before we start talking more about the 2021 GMC Syclone, let’s check out a few things about the company that brought it back. The roots date back to 1970 when the founder of the SVE modified the first vehicles. The company is known for its current name since 1987. Ever since, the SVE was delivering special upgrades to Chevy vehicles, helping some of them win NASCAR titles.
One of the best-known truck tunings is Yenko Silverado with 800 horsepower. The 2021 GMC Syclone will get near that output. Still, this is not the first time we see the Syclone, since the SVE started building it last year and that version was good for 455 hp. Well, a 6.2-liter V8 can do nearly as much power as the upgraded V6. Now, a V8 is being tuned. However, Specialty Vehicle Engineering is picking a lighter, 5.3-liter variant as the base unit.
2021 GMC Syclone Specs
The previous version of the Syclone built by SVE was stunning as well. Engineers managed to enhance a 3.6-liter V6 engine to 455 horsepower thanks to a supercharger. Of course, there are other performance parts to improve ride quality. Still, only 100 units were built.
Do not expect more 2021 GMC Syclone trucks with a V8 engine under the hood. Unfortunately, the Specialty Vehicle Engineering didn’t pick a 6.2-liter displacement, but a 5.3-liter one. In its base form, it is good for 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. After the tuning, the new Syclone will be able to burst 750 hp and also adds 600 pound-feet of twisting power. The truck is taking a mid-size Canyon as its starting point and replaces an engine. Further modifications include special steel crankshaft, pistons, rods, and high-strength cylinder heads that can absorb such a power. A high-output system needs a better cooling system, and SVE installs air-to-water structure. Stainless steel exhaust is a final touch that was also required to boost both power and styling.
Availability, Price, 0-60 Time
The previous version of the Syclone performance truck from 2020 was able to hit 60 mph from a stop in 4.5 seconds, tests are showing. Now, with a V8 we expect an even crispier acceleration. But, have in mind that an eight-cylinder block is significantly heavier. Still, the 2021 GMC Syclone should stop the clock in about 4 seconds for the 0-60 acceleration. There are no too many other trucks that can match that. Well, you can try with an electric Tesla Cybertruck, but the impression is not as close as impressive as with the pickup that uses an internal combustion engine. Plus, the sound is missing to feel all the power under the hood.
Specialty Vehicle Engineering unveiled the pricing of the 2021 GMC Syclone, which will be available for $80,000. We knew a limited number of packages will be built, but only 50 lucky buyers are going to take the chance. Well, back in 1991, the company made only 3,000 units. So, the Syclone is becoming a kind of a unicorn in the market.
General Motors and Performance Trucks
GM couldn’t find a response to the Ford Raptor. The off-road truck was dominating the market recently. The only competitor was the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, but the Japanese truck lacks the power to respond to 450 hp coming from the F-150 special edition. Now, the game is on, and the FCA finally launched the Ram 1500 TRX with 700 horsepower. Now, it is GM turn to respond.
Yenko Silverado and the 2021 GMC Syclone could be a solution, especially with General Motors lacking a high-output engine for the truck segment. Previously, we saw the Chevy Reaper concept, but it never was adopted by the company. Now, the SVE can help both Chevrolet and GMC catching up with Ford and FCA. With 750 horsepower, the Syclone would definitely be a competitor. On the other hand, the emission ratings are not meeting standards in California and a few other states.
Big decisions are on the GM. SVE is offering a solution to stay competitive in the off-road segment, especially now when the Ford is preparing a high-output version of the new Raptor, which can produce up to 750 ponies.
Source: SVE