THE POOR MAN'S SYCLONE

Debuting in 1992, the GMC Sonoma GT truck was offered as a factory sport package with the looks of a Syclone, but without the price and performance of its fire-breathing turbocharged predecessor.

With a base price starting at $16,770, the Sonoma GT was a much cheaper truck in comparison to the staggering $27,465 MSRP price tag of the Syclone. This led to the Sonoma GT being given the nickname of the "Poor man's Syclone". The Sonoma GT was assembled by GMC Truck and finished its final trim through Production Automotive Services (PAS) in Michigan. The GMC Sonoma GT's production only lasted one single year with 806 total trucks produced.

POWERPLANT & DRIVETRAIN

While utilizing the newly released central port injection (CPI) 4.3 liter L35 V6, an automatic 4L60 transmission put the power to ground via a RWD setup. The Sonoma GT lacked the turbo and AWD performance that the Syclone was given, but still packed 195 peak horsepower at 4500 rpm and 260 ft. lb. of torque at 3600 rpm.

Even though the SGT didn't receive the power of the Syclone, GMC Truck still wanted to offer owners a true sport package. They added recalibrated Bilstein shocks, a torsion bar setup with dual stage leaf springs, and power brakes all rolling on B.F. Goodrich Comp T/A tires.

Because the Sonoma GT wasn't built as a track oriented speed demon like the Syclone, it still retained its payload capacity and towing ratings meaning that you could still use it like a pickup truck if you so desired. The Sonoma GT's performance and handling made it capable of decent grip (0.79 g on the skidpad) and equally respectable braking at 211 feet from 70 mph, thanks to a rear-wheel anti-lock system.

EXTERIOR STYLING

The GMC Sonoma GT features a unique "Syclone inspired" cladding kit. While sharing the same front and rear bumper as the Syclone, the remaining aero package isn't as aggressive in the overall look. Along with the front and rear bumper, it features forward fender bumperettes, subtle lower cab and bed skirts, and rear quarter bed corners to round out the full cladding package.

The Sonoma GT didn't receive specialty wheels, rather used the standard ZJ7 rally wheels that were also found on the Sonoma and S10 trucks.

INTERIOR

GMC also decided to continue with the Syclone theme into the interior which featured the same black and red piping door inserts and bucket seats. However, unlike the Syclone, the Sonoma GT did not receive an embroidered logo in the headrest. The same center console and shifter as seen in the Syclone is also found in the Sonoma GT.

The gauge cluster is the same layout as the Syclone with only one small difference. Due to the non turbo-charged powerplant of the Sonoma GT, the boost gauge is not included in the RPM cluster.

A Sonoma GT logo plaque in the glovebox door and the option of tape cassette with graphic equalizer or CD player for your radio rounds out the dashboard setup. The Sonoma GT did get a stylish 4-spoke steering wheel which is also found in the 1992 and 1993 GMC Typhoon too.

COLOR VARIATIONS

The Sonoma GT was offered in a variety of colors. Like the Syclone, the standard was the monochromatic lamp black. The other colors that were made available were apple red, frost white, aspen blue, bright teal, and forest green.

1992 GMC SONOMA GT COLOR BREAKDOWN

• 1991 Black w/ Black (Prototype , 1 Total)

• Black w/ Black - 406 Total

• Black w/ Gray - 30 Total

• Frost White w/ Gray - 107 Total

• Apple Red w/ Gray - 179 Total

• Bright Teal w/ Gray - 54 Total

• Forest Green Metallic w/ Gray - 15 Total (2 known to have been scrapped)

• Aspen Blue w/ Gray - 15 Total  (1 known to have been wrecked and scrapped)

BATTLE OF SURVIVAL

While the Sonoma GT didn't break land speed records or go down in history due to its mind-boggling power and performance the Syclone, it was still part of the Sportmachine ring of trucks developed by GMC and PAS earning its rightful position to stand alongside the GMC Syclone and Typhoon. It is unknown how many of the 806 GMC Sonoma GTs still exist today. Because it lacked the performance aspects of what the Syclone and Typhoon had, the Sonoma GT never gained the same popularity. Many trucks have succumbed to the junkyard, wrecked, or parted out due to neglect. It's not uncommon to find many Sonoma GTs with SBC V8 swaps. Because it didn't carry the same collector value as the SyTys, many lived the rough life of a standard work pickup and being daily driven. Even though it came with a price tag that was around $3k higher than the standard Sonoma model, the Sonoma GT seemed to fall to the wayside and never got the recognition it deserved for what it was.

In today's market, the Sonoma GT has slowly earned a level of respect and collectability. While the Sonoma GT may never reach the same levels of value as the Syclone and Typhoon, sale prices have seen an increase in the past years. Notably, a 6,000 mile bright teal Sonoma GT was sold on the auction website Bring A Trailer for $22,500 in 2022. There have been other clean examples selling privately in the $12-19,000 range from 2020-24.

1992 Sonoma GT Press Release

Sonoma GT Adds New Performance Dimension To GMC Truck Compact Pickup Line for 1992

PONTIAC, Mich. -- Inspired by the sucess of the high-performance Syclone, GMC Truck is adding even more compact truck performance for 1992 with the introduction of the new Sonoma GT.

The 1992 GMC Truck Sonoma GT, combines power, handling and comfort into a confident package of value that responds the changing demands of today's truck buyers. The new model broadens GMC Truck's already versatile Sonoma compact truck model line.

The 1992 Sonoma GT is powered by a new high-performance engine, fitted with a sport chassis and painted in a purposeful aggressive black monochrome. And, like Syclone, it is a limited-production vehicle equipped for the driving enthusiast.

Engine and Drivetrain

Sonoma GT is the first vehicle equipped with GMC Truck's new L35 4.3 liter high-performance V6 engine as standard equipment. It develops 195 peak horsepower at 4500 rpm and 260 ft. lb. of torque at 3600 rpm.

The new powerplant is capable of accelerating the new Sonoma GT to a 0-60 mph clocking of 8.5 seconds. Performance and fuel efficiency are enhanced through the use of a new invented central port fuel injection system.

The high-performance 90-degree V6 is constructed of a cast-iron block and head. It is equipped with performance-oriented cooling system, including a heavy duty radiator and transmission cooler.

The 1992 Sonoma GT is available with an automatic overdrive transmission only. The Hydra-matic 4L60 transmission features a final drive ratio of 0.70:1.

Chassis and Suspension

A special Sport Chassis package is also an integral part of the Sonoma GT performance combination. It is designed to deliver nimble, controlled handling for a superior performance.

Sport Chassis elements include a sport suspension packaging featuring recalibrated Bilstein shock absorbers mated with torsion bars in front and two-stage leaf springs and a semi-floating axle in the rear.

Sonoma GT is also fitted with 15-inch rally wheels and B.F. Goodrich Comp T/A performance radial tires.

Power front disc and rear drum brakes complete Sonoma GT's performance equipment package. Rear-wheel anti-lock braking is also standard.

Interior and Exterior

Sonoma GT's aggressive styling and functional aerodynamic improvements match its performance. The "sportstruck" is available in the regular cab only.

Sonoma GT's monochromatic lamp black clearcoat paint is its distinctive signature color, yet is available in red, white, aspen blue, and tear with gray lower body moldings.

Its exterior aerodynamic package also was inspired by Syclone.

It includes a special front fascia assembly with integral fog lamps, plus Sonoma GT rocker panel moldings. Aero moldings in the rear quarters and end complete the package's lowered look.

Sonoma GT graphics are featured on the door and tailgate.

Sonoma GT's dark charcoal interior brings a consistent feel of performance to the driver.

Syclone-style sport bucket seats are standard, as well as a leather-wrapped, four spoke steering wheel and a center console and shifter assembly with includes cupholders.

Syclone performance cues also extend to the instrument cluster and leather-wrapped shift knob.

A long list of convenience features is standard equipment, including air conditioning, power windows and locks, and tilt steering.

Also standard are cruise control, intermittent windshield wipers, tinted windows, dual remote electric mirrors and light group.

Sonoma GT is available with a unique electronically tuned AM/FM stereo radio with cassette graphic equalizer. A compact disc is available.

1992 GMC Sonoma GT Specifications

DIMENSIONS

Length (in) .................................... 181.7

Width (in) ..................................... 68.2

Height (in) .................................... 60.0

Wheelbase (in) ............................. 100.5

Ground Clearance (in) ................. Front 7.8 | Rear 6.9

Leg Room (in) .............................. 42.5

Head Room (in) ........................... 39.1

Shoulder Room (in) ..................... 53.9

Hip Room (in) ............................. 50.5

Cargo Volume (cu ft) .................. 40.1

Fuel Tank Capacity (gals)........... 20

WEIGHTS

Payload (lbs)......................... 950

GVWR (lbs)........................... 4200

GCWR (lbs)........................... 9500

GAWR (lbs)............................ Front 2500 | Rear 2300

Curb Weight (lbs)................... Front 1871 | Rear 1172 | Total 3043

Trailering Capacity (lbs)......... 6000

ENGINE

Type ........................................... 4.3L High Performance V6

Displacement (cu in) ................. 4.31 (262)

Bore & Stroke (in) ..................... 4.0 x 3.48

Compression Ratio ................... 9.3 to 1

SAE Net Horsepower ................ 195 @ 4500 rpm

SAE Net Torque (lb/ft).............. 260 @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery Type .................... Central Port Fuel Injection

Oil Capacity (qts)....................... 4

TRANSMISSION

Type ................................... 4 spd automatic with overdrive, Hydra-matic 4L60 (700R4THM)

Gear Ratios
1st ............................. 3.06
2nd ........................... 1.63
3rd ............................ 1.00
4th ............................ 0.70
Reverse ..................... 2.29
Final Drive Ratio ...... 0.70

Lubricant Capacity (pts)......Dryfill 19 | Refill 10

AXLES

Front Axle Capacity (lbs)................... 2500

Rear Axle Type ................................. Positraction Limited Slip

Rear Axle Capacity (lbs) ................... 2700

Axle Ratio ......................................... 3.42

BRAKES

Front Type................................... Vacuum power disc

Rear Type.................................... Drum with rear wheel anti-lock

Rotor Diameter (in) ................... 10.5

Drum Diameter (in) ................... 9.5

Drum Width (in) ........................ 2.0

Rotor Thickness (in) .................. 1.03

STEERING

Gear Type..................................................... Integral power

Gear Ratio (on center / at lock)................... 13/16 to 1

Turning Diameter (ft)................................. Curb-to-curb: 37.1 | Wall-to-wall: 39.4

SUSPENSION

Front Suspension Type................................. Independent coil spring

Standard Spring Capacity (lbs) ................... 1250

Shock Absorbers (mm) ............................... 32; Bilstein Gas Shocks

Stablizer (in) ................................................ 1.06

Rear Suspension Type.................................. Semi-eliptical, two-stage multi-leaf

Standard Spring Capacity (lbs) ................... 1150

Shock Absorbers (mm) ................................ 32

WHEELS

Type......................... Steel, Rally

Size (in) ................... 15 x 7.0

Capacity (lbs) .......... 1453

TIRES

Size and Type................... P215/65R15 | Tubeless, steel-belted radial

Capacity........................... 13