Syclone was the truck with limited production. The pickup was built in 3,000 examples in 1991. After that, the company cut it off to make more room for other vehicles. Nowadays, the GMC is out with a mid-size Canyon, half-ton Sierra 1500, and Sierra HD lineup. Also, let’s mention the Hummer EUT. But, it is a league for itself. The most recent rumors are mentioning the comeback of the 2023 GMC Syclone by the end of the year. Some would say there is no room in the lineup for this pickup, but with the growth of the compact class, we might see it as a rival to Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Besides the standard model, GMC produced two more special editions. If the 2023 GMC Syclone comes back, the carmaker will bring something unique to draw more attention. Still, if the pickup comes out as a compact model, then it will break the relationship with its predecessor. Small city pickups won’t use a V6 engine. Although General Motors is electrifying everything, the Syclone is not going to be an EV. A small four-banger, maybe turbocharged, is the most likely outcome. Don’t be surprised if the company decides for the I3 units used by the Trailblazer crossover.
2023 GMC Syclone Engine and Specifications
Let’s analyze a couple of options for the new 2023 GMC Syclone. The old truck used a big V6 with plenty of power. A 4.3-liter mill is out of the league for a long time and more efficient systems took over. So, a 1.3-liter turbo I3 with 155 hp and 175 lb-ft of toque might be a solution. The Syclone doesn’t need high towing capacity numbers. Around 1,500 lbs would do the job. On the other hand, a three-cylinder unit can save gas with around 30 mpg combined.
We are talking about the engine used by Trailblazer. Another option for this crossover is a 1.2-liter plant, also I3 with turbochargers. But, 137 hp and 160 lb-ft seem too bad for the pickup, even the small one. A CVT is a gearbox in any case. If engineers go after a four-banger, that could be a 1.5-liter mill. In that case, count on 175 hp and 2,000 pounds of towing capacity.
Another Electric Truck
General Motors is not producing hybrid systems. The company went straight to the EV class, and by far, their work is impressive. A few vehicles are already in production, a few are arriving soon, and there are many cool concepts for the future. We can’t talk about any upcoming vehicle without considering it as the new EV. The 2023 GMC Syclone, as a compact truck for urban ride, can handle such a drivetrain and 1,000-2,000 pounds of towing capacity would be more than enough. But, the electric network for cars is not spread everywhere, so it will take some time before EVs take over jobs from models with internal combustion engines.
New Look
Everything about the 2023 Syclone will be new. The old truck can’t compete today with the lack of efficiency and aerodynamics. Practicality is key. So, the company must use all its tricks to make the Syclone attractive to buyers. The first step is already there with an old nameplate comeback. Not the first time General Motors is doing that. The most recent reappearances are Hummer and Chevy Blazer.
As a compact pickup, the 2023 GMC Syclone can be based on the Terrain crossover. So basically, it will be turning a compact SUV into a pickup. Ford did it with Escape and got Maverick. Well, there are some specific things about the truck, but expect the GM to do the same.
2023 GMC Syclone Release Date and Price
As the compact truck, the 2023 GMC Syclone will cost as much as rival pickups to stay competitive. That means the base MSRP should be around $23,000. Of course, upper scales depend on features the company adds. The top trim levels for most GMC vehicles are AT4 and Denali. The first one provides equipment for extreme off-road situations. As an urban pickup, Syclone doesn’t fit there. Also, a high-luxury Denali package can increase the price significantly, and the truck is there to be efficient.
We are still talking about the 2023 YM, although the time is ticking away. We are in the second half of the year and many believe that Syclone can appear only as a concept for now. General Motors wants to let know Ford and other truckmakers that they are still willing to compete in any pickup and truck classes. Have in mind that Chevrolet and GMC are launching similar vehicles, often called GM twins, or mechanical twins. Chevelle and El Camino could be models with a bow-tie pin on the front grille.