There is a new Johnny Lightning Syclone diecast being released, and you'll want to pay close attention as there are variations! SyTy owners, like most any other car enthusiasts, like to collect anything SyTySoGT-related. The more, the better. For many years, Johnny Lightning has been known for its excellent representation in diecasts, with various color options and interesting releases for the GMC Syclone and Typhoon.
At the end of 2018, Johnny Lightning released their latest version of the GMC Syclone in both the standard black format and a “tribute to a ’92 Race Contest grand prize vehicle”. The more familiar name in the SyTy world for this particular diecast is the Marlboro Syclone. No need to go into detail as to why it wasn't labeled or marketed as the "Marlboro Syclone" as it’s obvious that licensing, marketing, and endorsing smoking with a toy isn't something that Johnny Lightning probably wanted to tackle. As a bonus, JL also released a reverse colorway on the Marlboro and did a white truck with a red decal version too. We are excited for this release!
Like most Johnny Lightning releases, there are A and B versions, along with White Lightning editions, as well as variations in packaging. In short, this Syclone release has 6 total versions to collect.
Let's break it down:
There are 2 different package backings. The first to come on the market was the Xtreme 90s Muscle packing. A nod to the 90s is shown with bright aqua teal, pink, and neon green colors with a stock GM promotional picture of the Syclone is used. The card stock gives a bit of quick info called “Muscle Facts” on the left side along with a color swatch of the packaged truck. There are 3 colors offered in this release – the standard black/black Syclone, the red Marlboro, and a White Lightning Marlboro in which the body color is white, the cladding black and the rims are gold with white tires. There is a Version A and Version B for the White Lightning which can be easily deciphered in the lower left corner of the card stock. All the trucks feature a gray dashboard with black interior.
The other packaging is a Hobby Exclusive (i.e. not sold in retail stores and only available through your JL dealers) and has a GMC logo on it with mostly red colors on the card stock. The same stock GM promotional Syclone picture is used again for the background. This is the reverse Marlboro Syclone which is white with red decals. Again, there is “Muscle Facts” written on the left side of the card stock in which they noted the reversed colors. The interior is all red in color as well unlike the dual color of the Xtreme 90s Muscle card stock. There is also a White Lightning version of this series that has the same body color (white with red decals), gold rims, white tires, but the interior is all white as well.
The one downfall that we saw immediately was that Chevy Xtreme style rims where used for this release. This is a bit disappointing to us knowing that JL could have done stock style SyTy rims like they did on previous Typhoon releases. The engine detail seems to be the same of previous releases, not really exactly looking perfectly like the 4.3 turbo V6 we all know and love, but we understand the limitations on how far you can go in detailing a diecast. We’ll call it a semi close representation.
Overall, this is some of the best looking of the JL Syclones as far as packaging looks and graphics used. Seeing the Marlboro done in 1:64 is exciting and is a great tribute to the 10 real Marlboro Syclones that are sought after by many.
The Xtreme 90s Muscle release can be found in your typical retail stores that carry JL and the other top diecast brands. The reverse Marlboro edition is hobby exclusive, so you wont see this hanging in the stores but rather available through online stores and private retailers.
