{"id":2807,"date":"1989-07-03T17:10:00","date_gmt":"1989-07-03T21:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportmachines.com\/wp-index.php\/?p=2807"},"modified":"2024-06-30T16:54:22","modified_gmt":"2024-06-30T21:54:22","slug":"high-performance-concept-truck-trio-graces-gm-stable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sportmachines.com\/wp-index.php\/1989\/07\/03\/high-performance-concept-truck-trio-graces-gm-stable\/","title":{"rendered":"High performance concept truck trio graces GM stable"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Design News<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Syclone\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pontiac, MI<\/em>–They aren’t scheduled for production yet, but General Motors is beaming over its brood of high-performance “concept trucks” previewed at the recent New York International Automobile Show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kalahari is a luxury, 4-door edition of the 2-door S-15 Jimmy sports utility vehicle. Underneath the leather upholstery, the 4-wheel drive prototype packs a high-performance powertrain and modified, electronically fuel-injected 4.3l V6. The engine, which turns out 215 net hp and 260 ft-lbs of torque, is teamed with a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Like the S-15 Jimmy, the Kalahari features GMC’s Insta-Trac system for shifting from 2- to 4-wheel drive and back again at any speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An overhead storage console features a computerized driver information system, including a tachometer-equipped analog gauge package. Loading the vehicle is made easier by a plastic and rubber storage platform that can be rolled out of the floor of the rear storage area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Syclone, based on the S-15 compact pickup, offers higher performance via a turbocharged, intercooled 3.8L V6–an enhanced version of the Buick Grand National engine. With sequential port fuel injection, the engine generates 270 net hp and 370 ft-lbs of torque. GM spokesmen say the low-riding truck can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 6 sec; its quarter-mile performance comes under 14 sec at about 103 mph. It boasts an overhead console similar to the Kalahari’s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The futuristic Centaur blends aerodynamic passenger car lines with pickup-truck ruggedness. The 4-wheel drive light truck has a one-ton payload capacity, and its 3.0l horizontal six engine, with a 24-valve high compression cylinder head, can pull a 5000-lb trailer. An advanced, self-leveling air spring damper system, power 4-wheel steering, and anti-lock brakes offer car-like ride and handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Centaur also includes an experimental 5-speed transmission. GM says it controls the torque split between front and rear wheels without the need for a center differential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GM has no firm production plans for any of the vehicles, but says their state-of-the-art components may turn up in future designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n