June 1989

Hot Rod

 

GMC Turbo
Syclone And
The Engine That
Wouldn't Die

Buick may be puzzled about how to use its great little 3.8L or upgraded 3800series turbo motors, but another GM division has a grand idea that may just put all of us "boy racers" into GMC S-15 pickups. Recently unveiled at the Chicago auto show is the GMC Syclone, a 3.8L turbocharged and intercooled-enhanced version of the legendary Buick Grand National V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 370 lbs.-ft. of torque. Lighter than a Grand National Regal, the Syclone (Yes, it's spelled with an "S." Maybe it should be a "Slyclone!") is designed to blast from zero to 60 in under six seconds, with an estimated quarter-mile performance in the 13-second range at about 103 mph! Its low-ridin' profile is accented by ground-effects panels, air dams, a rear tonneau cover, and a spoiler with deep-tinted glass. The line forms to the left, over there with all the other "boy racers."

June 1989

Hot Rod