- "Often used as a "driving billboard"; an ultra-small truck that is almost like riding a motorcycle."
- ―In-game catch text for the car, from GT6's Dealership
The Daihatsu Midget II D-Type '98 is a kei truck/mini-truck produced by Daihatsu. It first appeared in Gran Turismo 2 and was featured in the subsequent mainline games up to Gran Turismo 6, with the exception of Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec.
Colors[]
The player can choose from six colors:
- White
- Off Black Mica
- Red
- Red Mica
- Emerald Green Metallic
- Yellow
In-game description[]
Inheriting the name "Midget", which had ceased production in 1971, was the new Midget II. Though the original Midget took on a simple front wheel and double rear wheel tricycle design, the Midget II adopted a 4-wheel layout for safety. While a two-person model was added later, the base model was a one-seater, inheriting the motorcycle-like feel of the original model.
With a length of 109.8 inches and a width of 50.9 inches, it was 7 inches shorter than the original, while its width was the same. Minimum turning radius was an amazing 11.8 ft. While the maximum payload was quite small, only 150 kg, there was little complaint since it was only intended for light work, such as neighborhood deliveries. With frog-like headlights and the front nose-mounted spare tire, its visual impact was excellent. It also saw much use as a mobile billboard.
The engine was a 659 cc 3-cylinder SOHC mounted under the driver's seat, and was rear wheel drive. The suspension utilized struts in the front and rigid leaf springs in the rear. At first, only a single-seat 4-speed manual transmission model was available, but with the increase of private owners, a column shift 3-speed automatic and 2-seater models were added. In 1997, a cargo-type model with a roof over the truck bed was also released.
In 1998, minor changes were made to conform to new codes and standards for lightweight cars. In order to clear the strict collision safety standards, the front grille was enlarged. This car had the minimum necessities crammed into a minimal body, but was designed with maximum personality. Unfortunately, production ceased in 2001. Total cumulative production reached 14,000 units.
Acquisition[]
| Game | Purchase location | Credits | Other methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gran Turismo 2 | Daihatsu New Car Dealership | 5,940 | --- |
| Gran Turismo 4 | Late 90's Used Car Dealership | 3,364 | Available from the start in Arcade Mode |
| Gran Turismo PSP | Daihatsu Dealership | 5,740 | --- |
| Gran Turismo 5 | Used Car Dealership (Lv. 0+) | 4,643 | Win the A-Spec Pick-Up Truck Challenge Win the B-Spec Pick-Up Truck Challenge |
| Gran Turismo 6 | Daihatsu Dealership | 5,740 | --- |
Trivia[]
- In Gran Turismo 2, it has the distinction of having the least power in a fully upgraded car, at 66 BHP.
- Despite technically being a pickup truck, it is disallowed for the Sports Truck Race in Gran Turismo 4, likely due to it being too slow compared to the other pickup trucks.
Pictures[]
