It turned out that Isuzu ever launched a supercar.

Isuzu is one of Japan's leading automotive manufacturers, and its products known to be very specific models of pickups, SUVs, trucks and other commercial vehicles. But few know that in fact this manufacturer had previously launched a supercar concept called 'Isuzu 4200R' and has been exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show 1989.

This supercar has a futuristic design, even if it is brought to 2016 will not look out of date. This car is the result of collaboration between Isuzu with Lotus. At that time, Isuzu and Lotus were connected through General Motors.

In 1989 Isuzu launched a mid-engined supercar concept named Isuzu 4200R. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1dPzCS)

The car designed by Shiro Nakamura, a car designer who later went to Nissan and bring forth the Juke, the GT-R and many other cars. At that time, his design team included several well-known automotive designer names like Peter Horbury and Julian Thomson, now known as the designer for Volvo and Jaguar.

Despite the sporty character of the car, it has four doors and no B-pillar while the two sliding rear doors slightly rearwards to increase accessibility. The tail is very elegant with a wide, dark horizontal stripes on the tail light, and using both Isuzu and Lotus badges.

Left side view of 1989 Isuzu 4200R. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1dPzCS)

With a raked windscreen and bonnet and long rear overhang, the 4200R looks very strong and fast without being aggressive or over-designed like many contemporary sports cars. The cab-forward proportions were typical of that era, such as organic volumes and neat graphics.

Interior view of 1989 Isuzu 4200R. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1dPzCS)

This car uses a V8 DOHC 32-valve engine with a capacity of 4.2-liter, which is capable of spraying the power up to 350 hp, a very healthy power figure in its day. Isuzu 4200R uses the all wheel drive system, aka four-wheel drive as well as equipped with an active suspension system from Lotus.

Rear side view of 1989 Isuzu 4200R. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1dPzCS)

Its futuristic interior design that depicts several decades in the future. This car is also the best office ever. The interior featured a video tape decks, a fax machine, satellite navigation, and high-quality audio system. In a car fax machine is way better than the infotainment system that read texts and emails.

The 4200R is very well received for the sleek styling and impressive specifications following the Tokyo auto-show. Perhaps encouraged by this project, Isuzu later developed a 3.5-liter V12 for a Lotus Formula One car, but the project was neglected. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK]

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