Isuzu Impulse

The Isuzu Impulse was a small sporty 3-door hatchback sold from 1983 through 1992. The Impulse was originally a rear wheel drive car, but it made the switch to front wheel drive with the 1989 introduction of the second-generation Impulse. 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. The Impulse was also known as the Isuzu Piazza outside of the US, and badged as the Holden Piazza in Australia.

1983

The first Impulse was a 3-door hatchback based upon General Motors' T platform. Debuting in 1982 for the 1983 model year, the Giugiaro-designed hatchback used either a 110hp (82kW) 127ft.lbf (172Nm) 2.3L (2254cc) I4 or a 2.0L (1975cm³) turbo engine which produced 140hp (104kW) and 133ft.lbf (180Nm). 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions were available. The Impulse also received a special suspension tuned by Lotus for model years 1988 and 1992.