The 1991-1992 Isuzu Impulse RS featured an Isuzu Developed and Engineered DOHC, Turbocharged Engine/ Hood mounted Turbo Intercooler, an All Wheel Drive system, plus a Lotus Tuned Race Suspention . This car was *way* ahead of its time when it debued back in 1990, almost 17 years ago.
The Impulse featured a sleek euro hatch design that is more present and respected today than in the early 90's
There were only between 800 and 1,500 Impulse RS's imported inbetween 90 and 92.
The Impulse was discontinued by Isuzu Motors in the late 1992 in favor of soley producing Horrible Sport Utilities like the Rodeo and the Amigo....
From Wikiepdia:
The second generation Impulse was designed on General Motors's second generation R-body "world car" platform. GM had commissioned Isuzu to build a replacement for the Spectrum, this time a more sporty model to be called the Storm (Gemini Coupe in Japan). The body design of the Storm was strongly influenced by GM and drew heavily from GM Europe's design submission for the Elan M100.[9][10] Under Shiro Nakamura[11], Isuzu's then head of design, the third generation Gemini sedan was first designed on this platform, and then attention was turned to a sporty coupe to replace the first generation Impulse. Starting with the Storm, alternative front and rear treatments were made, retaining the lozenge theme of the Gemini sedan, and drawing heavy influence from the rear-wheel drive Impulse (semi-concealed headlights with integrated grille as well as hood and taillight styling) while also expanding on the "European look", which later became a central point of marketing the vehicle in Japan.
The three-door hatchback debuted as the Impulse XS in 1989 for the 1990 model year. It was offered only in front-wheel drive with a DOHC 1.6 L (1588 cc) I4 engine which produced 130 hp (97 kW). The suspension consisted of MacPherson struts both front and rear, with a rigid trailing arm front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, featuring Nishiboric passive steering.
For the 1991 model year, the Impulse RS was introduced with a 160 hp (119 kW) turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive drivetrain which featured front and rear viscous differentials and center helical differential. The wagonback model was also introduced for the 1991 model year, only available with the normally-aspirated 1.6 L engine.
For the 1992 model year, the Turbo model was discontinued and the base engine was replaced with a 1.8 L (1794 cc) engine, sharing the same bore but with a longer stroke due to the taller engine block. This larger powerplant was good for 140 hp (104 kW) and 125 ft�lbf (169 N�m). [12]. Both body styles continued into 1992, but very few were produced.
Since the Impulse weighed just 2411 lb (1094 kg) in front-wheel drive configuration and 2732 lb (1239 kg) in all-wheel drive configuration, the turbo engine and all wheel drive combined gave excellent performance.
General Motors, who owned nearly half of Isuzu, also owned Lotus Cars at the time. Lotus selected the 1.6 L engine and transmission from the Isuzu Gemini for the Lotus Elan and a following generation of that engine eventually ended up in the Impulse. Lotus was subcontracted by Isuzu to fine tune the suspension of the Impulse, through selection of stiffer dampers, larger sway bars, and softer springs. All of the second generation Impulses had the Lotus-tuned suspension.
A non-Lotus innovation in the Impulse was the development of the Nishiboric passive rear-wheel steering system which adjusted the toe of the rear wheels by changing the rear wheel alignment through the range of suspension travel.
The combination of the burst of the Japanese economic bubble, rising emissions and crash safety requirements, and continued restrictive market segment meddling by General Motors forced Isuzu out of the car making market and brought an end to the Impulse.
In the Japanese market, this vehicle was sold as the Piazza beginning in July 1991 through to spring of 1992. The second generation Piazza was offered only in front-wheel drive with the 1.8 L engine. All of the second generation Piazzas came with the Lotus-tuned suspension.
In the Canadian market, the same models, with minor variations, were sold in the 1990 & 1991 model years. No Impulses were made for Canada for the 1992 model year. In 1993 the 1.8 L model was sold in Canada as the As�na Sunfire, but only with the hatchback body.[13]
Now here are some good pics i found on the net of the all wheel drive Impulse.
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Vehicle Manufacturer & Designer:
Isuzu Motors, Ltd., Fujisawa, Japan. ( JI model 1990-1993 )
U.S Importer
American Isuzu Motors, Inc., Whitier, California 1990-1992.
Body Style
2-door, 4-passenger, 2+2 AWD, Three Door Coupe
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine, All Wheel Drive
Body/Frame
Uni-body
Price
$14,500-15,579
Dimensions
Wheelbase
96.5 in / 2450 mm
Track
Front
56.3 in / 1430 mm
Rear
55.4 in / 1405 mm
Length
166.1 in / 4219 mm
Width
66.7 in / 1694 mm
Height
51.1 in / 1298 mm
Ground Clearance
5.2 in / 181 mm
Curb Weight
2650-2750 lb
Cargo Capacity
11.0 cu ft
Fuel Capacity
12.4 gal
Weight/Power Ratio
18.5 lb/hp
Engine
Type
Inline 4 Liquid Cooled, Cast Aluminum Block, Cast Aluminum Head
Bore x Stroke
3.15 in x 3.11 in / 80.0 mm x 79.0 mm
Displacement
97 ci / 1588 cc
Compression Ratio
8.5:1
Valve Gear
DOHC 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel/Induction System
Multipoint EFI / Water-cooled Turbocharger with air-to-air intercooler
Horsepower
160 HP @ 6600 RPM
Torque
150 lb/ft @ 4800 RPM
Horsepower/Liter
100.8
Maximum Engine Speed
7,200 RPM
Recommended Fuel
Unleaded Premium
Driveline
Transmission Type
5-speed Manual
Gear Ratios
First
3.909
Second
2.150
Third
1.448
Fourth
1.027
Fifth
0.829
Axle Ratio
Final Drive Ratio
4.117
Chassis and Suspension ( Front and Rear Lotus Tuned and Engineered )
Front
MacPherson struts, lower control arms, coil springs, anti-rollbar
Rear
Struts, twin lateral links, trailing links, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Steering
Type
Rack and pinion, power assist
Ratio
16.0:1
Turning Circle
32.2
Brakes
Front Type/Diameter
Vented discs, 9.7 in
Rear Type/Diameter
Discs, 10.1 in
Anti-Lock Brakes
Standard
Wheels and Tires
Wheel Size
15 x 6
Wheel Type/Material
Cast aluminum
Tire Size
205/50VR15
Tire Manufacturer and Model
Bridgestone Potenza RE93
