I agree with you on the small diesels but have never driven one. I have ridden in a small diesel Rover in foreign countries. It seemed fast, but then again the road ways are only 12' wide and speed is very low, like 20 mph. I often wonder how a 67 hp diesel will survive in the N American hwys especially going over mt passes out here in the west? I know, some people will say, its an off road rig, but yeah right, you still have to drive it to the mall just so you can pick up your designer shoes.:D

I seriously think at least 140-150 hp is needed. My Cummins has about 175 hp with about 400 in torque (I remover the governor spring so it must be 200hp?) yet, it requires a bit of work to get over the Grapevine (for those who know socal, it the big hump, 5000' ) into the desert at 70 mph. No speed but will tow a house over it. My Duramax, it will do 90 if I keep the pedal down just a little bit.

I wonder how the LC diesels will do on the open hwy? Their American import, my old 80s series gas engine is fine over that nasty hill. Get it out of over drive, it flew over it, loaded with gear and people too.

A little further research shows HiLux pickups with a crew cab and diesel are about $10k asking price and before import. The Cruisers are less common and more $$.

Might make sense to bring a “test case” in for personal use. Shake out some details on a single unit. And, see if there is any market demand.

I wouldn’t complain with a sweet HiLux. Terrorists the world over have given them the seal of approval.

Maybe mount a fake 50cal in the back for attention?

Fun thread. Thanks!

Diesel on highway: fully (fully) loaded my turboed bj60 (3.4l 4 cyl 3b) drops to 45 over snoqualmie pass. Stay in right lane with blinkers and get passed by everything.