Isuzu 4200R

The Isuzu 4200R was a mid-engine concept sports car that Isuzu displayed at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, built around sporty performance in a traditional European taste. Isuzu and Lotus were connected at the time within the General Motors group, and an Isuzu designer worked with Lotus designer Julian Thompson on the car. It was a four-door design with smaller rear doors that slid backwards, meant to carry two adults and two children and to be practical enough for long drives. The transversely mounted engine was a new 4.2 litre DOHC 32-valve V8 producing 350 horsepower and driving all four wheels, with active suspension developed with Lotus and equipment such as satellite navigation and a fax machine. Isuzu also prototyped a 3.5 litre V12 engine. The concept was dismantled around 1993, when Isuzu was to leave the small passenger car market.