Forgotten ICON - The sight of Isuzu's logo on countless commercial vehicles might lead many to believe the company has always been dedicated solely to producing trucks and buses. This perception is understandable, given that Isuzu has focused exclusively on commercial vehicles for over a decade and a half. However, before shifting entirely to this market in 2008, Isuzu had a rich history of manufacturing passenger cars and SUVs.
The Isuzu Piazza is the production version of the Italdesign Asso di Fiori, sold in Japan, made debut in September 1980. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
The Italdesign Asso di Fiori, a striking prototype that
debuted at the 1979 Tokyo Motor Show, served as the forerunner to the
Isuzu Piazza (Impulse).(Picture from: Carbuzz)
The origins of this distinctive car can be traced back to the collaboration between Isuzu and Italdesign, the renowned Italian design house founded by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Giugiaro, a visionary in automotive styling, had already left his mark on the industry with iconic designs such as the De Tomaso Mangusta, the Lotus Esprit, and the first-generation Volkswagen Golf.
The Italdesign Asso di Fiori, a striking prototype that
debuted at the 1979 Tokyo Motor Show, served as the forerunner to the
Isuzu Piazza (Impulse).(Picture from: Carbuzz)
When Isuzu sought a successor to its 117 Coupe, the company turned to Italdesign for a fresh and modern concept. The result was the Asso di Fiori (means Ace of Clubs), a striking prototype that debuted at the 1979 Tokyo Motor Show. The public reception was overwhelmingly positive, and Isuzu wasted no time in pushing the car into production with minimal changes.
For the North American market, Isuzu rebranded the car as
the Isuzu Impulse, launching its first generation in 1983, featured a
sleek, aerodynamic design and a rear-wheel-drive layout.(Picture from: Carbuzz)
In Japan, this new model was introduced as the Isuzu Piazza, a name it retained in several international markets. However, in the United States, it was rebranded as the Isuzu Impulse, while in Australia, it was sold under the Holden Piazza badge.
Isuzu entered the North American market and also introduced the car to Australia in 1985 under the name Holden Piazza.(Picture from: Wikipedia)
The first-generation model, which began production in 1981, and launched in North American market in 1983, featured a sleek, aerodynamic design and a rear-wheel-drive layout. It quickly gained a reputation for its engaging driving experience, a quality enhanced further by the involvement of Lotus in fine-tuning its suspension system. This partnership ensured that the Impulse was not only visually appealing but also handled exceptionally well.
In the early 1990s, Isuzu launched the 2nd Generation Impulse in North America and introduced it to Canadian market as the Asüna Sunfire in 1993.(Picture from: Wikipedia)
The second generation of the Isuzu Impulse arrived in 1990, bringing significant changes. Unlike its predecessor, which had a rear-wheel-drive setup, the new model offered both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. While this generation maintained a sporty character, it struggled to capture the same level of enthusiasm as the original. Despite its capabilities, sales remained low, and production ceased after just four years, marking the end of the Impulse nameplate.
Although the Isuzu Impulse never achieved widespread popularity, its impact remains significant among automotive enthusiasts. With a design crafted by one of Italy’s most influential designers and performance refined with Lotus engineering, it embodied a rare fusion of artistry and precision. Today, the Impulse is a rare sight, with only a few examples remaining in North America. Despite its limited numbers, the car's legacy endures as a testament to Isuzu’s brief yet memorable foray into the world of stylish and dynamic passenger vehicles. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBUZZ | CARANDDRIVER | DRIVELINE | WIKIPEDIA ]
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Although the Isuzu Impulse never achieved widespread popularity, its impact remains significant among automotive enthusiasts. With a design crafted by one of Italy’s most influential designers and performance refined with Lotus engineering, it embodied a rare fusion of artistry and precision. Today, the Impulse is a rare sight, with only a few examples remaining in North America. Despite its limited numbers, the car's legacy endures as a testament to Isuzu’s brief yet memorable foray into the world of stylish and dynamic passenger vehicles. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBUZZ | CARANDDRIVER | DRIVELINE | WIKIPEDIA ]
