GMC Syclone

The Australian love affair with the Ute is well known I’ve written an article on this very topic (https://www.theburntclutch.com/feature-article/ongoing-feature/lap-6-utes-pick-ups). When first built in 1991 the Syclone was the fastest Ute/pickup truck in the world. Powered by a 4.3L turbocharged V6 with an automatic transmission driving all four wheels. The Syclone was good for 209kW and 475Nm, sprinting from 0 to 100km in 4.3 seconds and a standing quarter mile in 13.4 at 158km/hr. Those are some serious numbers even by today's standards. To reliably generate all this power the Syclone featured lowered compression pistons, modified intake and exhaust manifolds, a larger throttle body and a water-to-air intercooler. Its boxy construction gives it an air of understated intent, a muscle car for the 90s, only available in black!

Buick GNX

Let us remain in the USA, and continue with the turbocharged theme. The Buick GNX came with a 3.8 litre V6 from the Grand National built from 1982-87. However in 1987, its last year, Buick bolted on a turbocharger and intercooler to produce 205kW and 480Nm. Hence the name Grand National Experimental (GNX). Reportedly these figures were understated by Buick, nonetheless the 0-100km sprint tool 4.7 seconds and the standing quarter mile in 13.5. Performance figures that made it, albeit, the fattest production car in the world. Only 547 GNX variants were built, making it extremely rare, commanding prices above $300000, Australian.

Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione

I miss Lancia, they built some of the most beautiful, technically inspiring cars of all time. The Lancia Delta Integrale HF Evoluzion, manufactured in 1992 was powered by a twin-cam, four-cylinder engine producing 158kW with 314Nm and powered all four wheels with a 47% front and 53% rear distribution. The Integrale was arguably the genesis of the AWD hot hatch and has one of the coolest-looking guage clusters ever.

Vauxhall Lotus Carlton

Produced from 1990-1992, the Lotus-tuned Carlton was powered by a twin-turbocharged, 24-valve 3.0-litre six-cylinder motor. With 10 pounds of boost, the powerplant was good for 281kW and 568Nm, reaching 100km in 5.2 seconds. Making the Carlton the fastest four-door production car for some time. Lotus improved the suspension, and steering; added a manual gearbox and LSD in the hope of getting some of that power to the ground. In Australia, the equivalent car was the VN Commodore with a range-topping 5.0 litre, 165Kw V8 and an HSV-modified 215Kw version.

Picture courtesy of  JayEmm on Cars - https://www.youtube.com/@JayEmmOnCars

Renault Turbo 5

The design ethos of the Turbo 5 was born of a pure hotrod mentality. The French may claim a more highbrow design language, but when you remove the rear seats converting the diminutive hatch to a mid-engine, rear-drive layout, bolt on a turbo, add outrageous body kit and staggered front-to-rear tyre-size set-up, it’s hot–rodding. All this in a car weighing less than a tonne. The handling was reportedly defined by the circumspect word, ‘entertaining’. The Turbo 5 was an effective weapon in the now defunct, but infamous Group B rally competition.

Picture courtesy of  JayEmm on Cars - https://www.youtube.com/@JayEmmOnCars

Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution

I could have selected any number of JDM cars. However given the large influx of Syliva’s, Skyline’s, Supra’s etc through the late 90’s and early 2000’ into the Australian market, I thought it trite. Instead, I went for a car virtually unheard of outside Mitsubishi fanboy collectives. With confidence primed by success in Dakar, Mitsubishi decided to build a rally-inspired, hotted-up version of the short-wheelbase, 2-door Pajero. Wider wheel arches, assorted vents and a large rear, roof-mounted spoiler set this vehicle apart visually. Inside standard 1990’s SUVm, albeit with Recaro front seats. Under the bonnet sits a V6 good for 205kW and 347Nm. As a capable off-roader, the Pajero came with an electronic locking centre differential, LSD front and rear and some bigger tyres. I’m not sure who hurt Mitsubishi so bad, as it's been a long time since they released a remotely interesting car, given the technically advanced GT3000 and fantastic Evo’s.