That's because you're 16, and 16 y.o. don't buy $40,000 dollar rigs...on average. We old men do, and we don't like shifting anymore. There's a reason that GM went to Allison for their HD trucks...they make the best tranny in world, and it's auto.

Sticks are great for sports driving, but just a pain in the butt for towing. However, about 80% of 1/2 ton trucks are used as oversized luxury cars 80% of the time. And you don't have sticks in luxury cars either....except sport luxury cars.

 

The reason for diesel's popularity in Europe is huge tax breaks.
Right now, diesel runs at least .10 more a gallon in this area, the switch to Low Sulfur will only raise that, so don't expect a wave of oil burners on our streets.

 

Thats true. I think if you look at the diesel popularities and split it according to country the ones with high gas taxes buy diesel the ones with lower gas tax buy more gas.

 

Diesel run at or below the price of 87 Octane in my Area, the price may climb slightly after the switch, but if your gas mileage greatly increases, it will easily offset the extra few pennies. European Countries dont offer any tax breaks, they have huge tax on there fuel, that is one of the reasons why people choose Diesels.

 

When I went to Italy, almost every car I saw was turbo diesel...and manual. I heard that the only people there that drive auto are the ones that have to, i.e. missing an arm or leg. also the gas prices (in december of last year) were about $6-$7 a gallon, I dint see diesel. I'd love a lil t/d car, esp when the price is about the same around here, diesel is even cheaper at some stations!

 

Diesel runs usually runs anywhere from .10 less up to even with 87 Octane around here.

 

Maybe if you completely ignore the fact that diesels get much better gas mileage than gassers, then your statement would make sense. It's like the people that put regular gas in their premium cars to save money. Completely short-sighted.

 

i thought the corvette was a pushrod motor... ?

 

The time it takes to amortize the price difference for the extra cost of a diesel does not make it a magic bullet. I wish we had more diesels, they have the same performance, or sometimes better than gas. But you can't completely ignore the fact that they cost more initially. With diesel running the same price as regular, how long would it take to outweigh the extra $2000 it takes to get one? It's not, check the diesel option and start saving big bucks is all I am trying to say.

 

the 2uz and 1uz for that matter are iron block v8s.

 

The Diesel option is less than 2 Grand and the more it is in use the less the cost will be, plus the time you will gain back that up front money will not take very long as mileage is so much better with a Diesel. The Engine is also very heavy duty and will outlast a conventional engine, so your long term outlook would be even better.

 

All true... long term is the key...... But, how many folks keep a vehicle long term anymore?

 

It would not take long to overcome the cost and I believe people are keeping cars longer than ever today. The longest I kept a Vehicle was 11 Years and would still have it if it did not get lost in an accident, right now I have had 2 since 2000 and 1 since 1998, all going strong.

 

I was at a truck course for toyota and one of the guys said that he couldn't say "officially" but the new truck engine was going to be about 425 HP. He would be the guy to know cause he has been working with the new trucks for a while now!

 

I get to drive the new Tundra tomorrow, but here's what I can tell you without getting into serious crap:

5.7L = dual VVT-i, ALL ALUMINUM, ALL NEW
10.5" diameter rear ring in the differential
0-60 in the 6.5 second range

More to follow if I can. They are pretty serious about this confidentiality stuff.

But seeing as how the truck will be at SEMA, I'm sure there will be more info prior to that, at at least then.

 

What bigger engine do they have on the way? Sounds more like a HD truck with that axle.

 

You are exactly right on that one, emiller. The componentry on this truck matches or exceeds the specs on our competitors' HD/Super Duty stuff. There may be a diesel on the way, but the frame and drivetrain won't have to change much, if at all.

 

wth !! 410 hp .. my 2002 has 245 what happened??

man i wish mine was 410 T_T sigh...

 

Independantly controlled Dual VVTi, 5.7L, and variable intake manifold happened.

And honestly, doesn't your 2002 feel like more than 245? It's cause it is, but Toyota is notoriously modest.

 

Since Toyota doesnt have a huge truck production it would be smart to build something that fits the 1/2 up to 1 ton with as much common parts as possible. They just dont have the volume at this time to build multiple frames affordably. 10.5 with a diesel Id guess its a 3/4 ton with a lager gas engine.