Isuzu Impulse

The Isuzu Impulse was a small sporty coupe sold from 1983 through 1992. The second-generation Impulse was the basis for the more successful American Geo Storm, and the engine of the second-generation was shared with the modern Lotus Elan.

1983

The first Impulse was a 3-door hatchback version of the Japanese Gemini compact sedan. Debuting in 1983, the Impulse used either a 110 hp (82 kW) 127 ft.lbf (172 Nm) 2.3 L (2254 cc) I4 or a 2.0 L (1975 cm³) turbo engine which produced 140 hp (104 kW) and 133 ft.lbf (180 Nm). 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions were available.

1990

The second-generation Impulse debuted in 1990. It was a 2+2 design with semi-concealed headlights and was available with front wheel drive or all wheel drive with center and rear viscous differentials. The suspension was all-independent with MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link system in back. The Impulse used a DOHC 1.6 L (1588 cm³) I4 engine which produced 130 hp (97 kW) or, in turbo form, 160 hp (119 kW). Since the Impulse weighed just 2400 lb (1090 kg), the turbo engine and all wheel drive gave excellent performance.

Isuzu's parent, General Motors, also owned Lotus Cars at the time. The Elan got the Impulse's engine, and in exchange, the Impulse got Lotus suspension tuning. This included a passive rear wheel steering system which adjusted the toe of the rear wheels with a clever bushing compression design.

The base 1.6 L engine was replaced with a stroked (by 11 mm to 90 mm) 1.8 L (1794 cm³) version in 1992. This larger powerplant was good for 140 hp (104 kW) and 125 ft.lbf (169 Nm). Sales remained poor, and the company to dropped the model after that year.