The 1987 Isuzu Impulse Turbo RS represents a forgotten chapter in Japanese performance history. This wedge-shaped coupe arrived during the turbocharged boom of the late 1980s, when manufacturers weaponized small-displacement engines to compete with American muscle cars and European sports machines.
The Impulse Turbo RS packed a 1.9-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. That output made it genuinely quick for its era, capable of running to 60 mph in under seven seconds with a top speed exceeding 130 mph. The turbo's punch compensated for the modest displacement, delivering the kind of accessible performance that made Japanese coupes popular among enthusiasts with limited budgets.
Isuzu's design language leaned into the decade's obsession with aggressive angles and assertive proportions. The Impulse's low hood, flush pop-up headlights, and flared fenders announced its intent without apology. Inside, the cabin blended sport-focused ergonomics with period-appropriate plastics and upholstery. Dual analog gauges and a stripped-down driving environment reinforced the performance mission.
The Impulse competed directly with Toyota Celica, Nissan 200SX, and Dodge Daytona in a segment that thrived on accessible power and stylish packaging. What set Isuzu's offering apart was turbocharged standard equipment and genuinely entertaining handling characteristics. The car weighed under 2,500 pounds and featured independent suspension tuned for responsiveness.
Today, the 1987 Impulse Turbo RS survives largely as a historical artifact. Isuzu abandoned the North American market in 2009, and the Impulse nameplate faded decades earlier. Few examples remain in prist