The Suzuki Jimny has become a favorite among Japanese tuners, with countless aftermarket conversions giving the compact off-roader a completely different personality. The latest creation takes inspiration from an unlikely source: a high-performance American SUV from the early 1990s.
Hiroshima-based specialist C.L.Link has teamed up with Japanese fashion designer Ryo Ishikawa to give the five-door Jimny Nomade a retro makeover. The result bears a striking resemblance to the GMC Typhoon, the turbocharged performance SUV sold between 1992 and 1993.
Unlike the original Typhoon, however, this Jimny isn’t chasing sports-car acceleration. The project focuses on styling, replacing the Suzuki’s familiar round headlights with rectangular units and introducing several other changes inspired by American SUVs of the era.
C.L.Link unveiled the project in October 2026, with a public debut planned for the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2027. The company intends to open orders around the event, although pricing and availability details have yet to be confirmed.
A GMC Typhoon In Miniature
The transformation starts with a redesigned front fascia featuring square headlights, a custom grille, and a matching bumper. Blacked-out trim and a prominent grille emblem further reinforce the resemblance to GMC’s performance SUV.
At the rear, a body-colored panel takes the place of the Jimny’s rear-mounted spare wheel, creating a cleaner appearance. Smoked taillights, red reflectors, and a C.L.Link Type 1 rear muffler complete the exterior modifications.
The five-door body means the proportions aren’t identical to the two-door Typhoon, but the overall effect is surprisingly convincing.
Lower Suspension And Retro Wheels
C.L.Link has lowered the Jimny by approximately one inch using Eibach springs and Bilstein shock absorbers. The modified stance gives the normally rugged off-roader a street-focused appearance.
The build rides on 16-inch C.L.Link Union Rim TX wheels wrapped in Toyo Open Country H/T II tires measuring 215/70R16. Inside, Recaro front seats and matching rear-seat covers add another sporty touch.
No engine upgrades have been announced, so the project appears to keep the Jimny Nomade’s standard 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine rather than attempting to replicate the Typhoon’s turbocharged V6 performance.
Coming To Tokyo Auto Salon 2027
The original GMC Typhoon was famous for combining SUV practicality with acceleration that rivaled contemporary sports cars. Its turbocharged 4.3-liter V6 and all-wheel-drive system made it one of the most memorable American performance vehicles of its era.
C.L.Link’s interpretation takes a different approach, capturing the Typhoon’s unmistakable appearance in a much smaller (and less powerful) package. The completed build is scheduled to appear at Tokyo Auto Salon from January 15–17, 2027.