1989 Isuzu Impulse Turbo - My first love
12-18-2012, 11:35 AM
#11
The front-end reminds me of DeLorean.
I remember the 2nd generation of the Impluse that was based on FWD platform, which was also sold as GEO Storm, if I'm not mistaken. I think it came with DOHC NA engine with around 140hp or so. That one also had a sticker on the side that said "Tuned by Lotus."
[media]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv_ICT6qVRw/ThQ88YbkhkI/AAAAAAAAAXg/BiFSK8wcdEc/s1600/IsuzuImpulseRS.jpg[/media]
I remember the 2nd generation of the Impluse that was based on FWD platform, which was also sold as GEO Storm, if I'm not mistaken. I think it came with DOHC NA engine with around 140hp or so. That one also had a sticker on the side that said "Tuned by Lotus."
[media]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv_ICT6qVRw/ThQ88YbkhkI/AAAAAAAAAXg/BiFSK8wcdEc/s1600/IsuzuImpulseRS.jpg[/media]
Yes... but to break it down a bit. From 81 to 89 there was the model I referenced originally, turbo and non turbo and the Lotus tuned suspension was introduced in 87. in 1990 the car got a dramatic redesign and was sold as the FWD Isuzu Impulse and Geo Storm. The Geo Storm never got a factory turbo but the 1991 Impulse did with AWD. Below is the 1991 Isuzu Impulse RS AWD intercooled Turbo. Only 800 ever brought into the US so if you have one you have a small piece of automotive history.
12-18-2012, 12:14 PM
#13
I liked the car, but at the same weight, with a live rear axle, on 195/60-14s, with 140hp, it is not outcornering an S2000 on similar make/model tires, nor was it "very fast"!
12-19-2012, 07:34 AM
#14
Originally Posted by Speakeasy2009' timestamp='1355862445' post='22218037
Don't say that until you drive one. It would out corner any of our S's with ease..and was very fast.
I liked the car, but at the same weight, with a live rear axle, on 195/60-14s, with 140hp, it is not outcornering an S2000 on similar make/model tires, nor was it "very fast"!
As someone who owned the car for many years and had 3 of them at one time, I can tell you this car would out corner anything on the road. It handled as if it was on rails. Must have been the Lotus tuned suspension because I would take hairpin turns at close to 70 mph without even a squeak from the tires. Never lost the rear end either unless it was wet.
It was a VERY fast car and anyone who drove one loved the acceleration once the turbo spooled up. Its not faster than the S, I only got the car to 120mph whereas I have had my S in excess of 140mph. But it was very quick off the line and an amazing ride..
12-19-2012, 08:15 AM
#15
It was a VERY fast car
Nostalgia is fun and all, and personally I *loved* the car then and now, I wish they'd sold a ton more of them. But don't kid yourself...
http://www.isuzuperformance.com/isup...perfimpjr.html
12-19-2012, 09:05 AM
#17
Moderator
It was a great car in its day. Remember, this is the time of Ford Probes, and the Impulse was a rwd turbo hatch with great handling and light weight. I think the first gen Impuse was around 2400 pounds and was faster than the Integra GSR and CRX Si.
12-20-2012, 07:56 AM
#18
I liked them back then, but their was a short time when I liked the Geo Storm, so you probably don't want me on your side.
I think unless you have the garage space, it would quikly become a rotting yard car if you got back behind the wheel. It just won't compare to just about anything built in the last ten years. Does not keep up with my wife's Focus or my Toyota Highlander. Those are not exactly fun rides.
I think unless you have the garage space, it would quikly become a rotting yard car if you got back behind the wheel. It just won't compare to just about anything built in the last ten years. Does not keep up with my wife's Focus or my Toyota Highlander. Those are not exactly fun rides.
12-20-2012, 09:36 AM
#19
As someone who owned the car for many years and had 3 of them at one time, I can tell you this car would out corner anything on the road. It handled as if it was on rails. Must have been the Lotus tuned suspension because I would take hairpin turns at close to 70 mph without even a squeak from the tires. Never lost the rear end either unless it was wet.
It was a VERY fast car and anyone who drove one loved the acceleration once the turbo spooled up. Its not faster than the S, I only got the car to 120mph whereas I have had my S in excess of 140mph. But it was very quick off the line and an amazing ride..
It was a VERY fast car and anyone who drove one loved the acceleration once the turbo spooled up. Its not faster than the S, I only got the car to 120mph whereas I have had my S in excess of 140mph. But it was very quick off the line and an amazing ride..
12-20-2012, 10:15 AM
#20
Originally Posted by Speakeasy2009' timestamp='1355934859' post='22219639
As someone who owned the car for many years and had 3 of them at one time, I can tell you this car would out corner anything on the road. It handled as if it was on rails. Must have been the Lotus tuned suspension because I would take hairpin turns at close to 70 mph without even a squeak from the tires. Never lost the rear end either unless it was wet.
It was a VERY fast car and anyone who drove one loved the acceleration once the turbo spooled up. Its not faster than the S, I only got the car to 120mph whereas I have had my S in excess of 140mph. But it was very quick off the line and an amazing ride..
It was a VERY fast car and anyone who drove one loved the acceleration once the turbo spooled up. Its not faster than the S, I only got the car to 120mph whereas I have had my S in excess of 140mph. But it was very quick off the line and an amazing ride..
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