1988 Isuzu Impulse Turbo Test Drive

The Impulse arrived for 1988 with the most extensive list of changes since it was introduced in mid-83. The new front sheetmetal was sleeker, and did away with the old headlamp doors in favor of narrow-section headlamps. The taillights were also redone. Inside, the center console and door panels were reworked and the stereo system upgraded to 40 watts in the standard model and 80 watts in the Turbo. The old 90 hp 2.0 liter base engine was replaced by a new fuel injected 110 hp 2.3 SOHC powerplant, while the Turbocharged variant held onto its existing 2.0 liter 140 hp engine. The best news was that all Impulse models were given a comprehensive suspension revamping by Lotus. The makeover involved all critical components ,including tires, and resulted in a much more neutral handling platform.