For some reason we have some of the strictest rules and automakers aren’t fond of developing cars that have to meet the US EPA standards for emissions and performance. It’s not always just the EPA keeping vehicles away; strict safety regulations also cause this to be the case. While it’s comforting to know the government wants us to be safe on the roads and be able to drive and live to see another day, some of the vehicles sold in other parts of the world could do extremely well in the US if given the chance.

Nissan Patrol NISMO – The problem with this vehicle coming to the US is we already have the Armada. Nissan loves to NISMO whatever they can and we have several Nissan models that have NISMO variants to be some of the best vehicles we have ever seen. It’s too bad for us because the Patrol NISMO comes in with a 5.6-liter V8 engine that puts out 428 horsepower which is 28 more than the standard model, making the standard offering a desired choice as well. This higher powered version rides in style on 22-inch Rays forged alloy wheels and makes use of a Bilstein suspension.

Volkswagen Amarok – With all the pickup trucks we have in the US and the fact that until the recent scandal it seemed Volkswagen had perfected the diesel powertrain the Aramok would fit in really well. This truck is cool looking and has a lot of variations that would make it work well in the US. Unfortunately because of the diesel scandal there is less chance than ever that the US government is going to allow this truck to come to our shores to compete with our own highly admired lineup of pickups.

Ford Ranger – Even though the Ranger was a great name in the US for the small trucks for a long time it has had a rebirth in other markets as a larger and more capable vehicle. Now that the Ranger is offered in 180 other countries and is similar in size to the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon maybe we will see the Ranger make a return to the US in the near future. We are getting a new Bronco so this is not too far-fetched a notion; besides, why should the rest of the world enjoy one of our favorites and not us.

Holden Maloo R8 LSA – This is a truck, I think. This vehicle is a throwback in style to the El Camino that was a truck and a car built in one. Using a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that brings in 536 horsepower and 495 lb.-ft. of torque the Maloo R8 LSA is one vehicle you want to drive and enjoy. Where did the engine come from; you guessed it the Cadillac CTS-V which shows you that this is a vehicle with a seriousness to it which will allow it to be a great performance model that can carry some stuff when called upon to do so.

Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf – This car wasn’t just not built for the US, it’s built exclusively for the Middle East; at least that was the announcement when it first came out. Since then the market has expanded to include Europe and South Africa but not the US. Even though the production of the Lagonda Taraf is limited to only 200 units I have no doubt there would be a number of buyers in the US if this car were to make its way across the Atlantic Ocean for us to enjoy.

Audi RS Q3 – With SUVs getting smaller performance is becoming even more important. Because these smaller SUVs don’t have as much chance of rolling you can whip them around corners with ease and the RS Q3 is a fan favorite in other parts of the world. This would be a great choice to bring to our shores where it could quickly compete with the Porsche Macan Turbo and the Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG, but for some reason Audi seems stuck on keeping this vehicle in other areas of the world, denying us the wonderful experience that driving the RS Q3 could be.

Peugeot RCZ – There aren’t even any Peugeot models sold in the US, but this car may be a great place to start. This little roadster is a French styled sports car that has a great stance, a gorgeous build and the look of aggression that makes you want to drive it beyond the redline. Powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 266 horsepower and 243 lb.-ft. of torque this car would be right at home in the US going up against some of our affordable favorites but, alas, Peugeot will not let us enjoy the RCZ here in the US.

Volkswagen Scirocco R – Just when you thought the only hot hatch in the Volkswagen lineup was the Golf R 400 we see the Scirocco R. this is a beautiful little hot hatch that shows off with an even more aggressive stance than the Golf to be a great car to drive. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 276 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque the Scirocco R would be a lot of fun for anyone to drive and it’s really a shame Volkswagen has chosen to leave us out of the equation.

Lotus Exige Sport 350 – Lotus has all but pulled out of the US and doesn’t show any signs of returning. In a way they seem to thumb their noses at us by showing off a wide range of new models recently. The Exige Sport 350 is a gorgeous sports car that looks like it belongs on the track but can be a great car to drive anywhere that has a time to sixty mph of only 3.7 seconds. This car brings in 345 horsepower and only weight in at 2,480 pounds, it’s just too bad we won’t get a chance to enjoy one.

Honda Civic Type R – Yes we will get the Type R soon, but as the most American statement “We want it now!” This car will feature the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 306 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. As the leading FWD model to make the lap at Nurburgring the Civic Type R can reach sixty mph in only 5.5 seconds and offers a six-speed manual transmission for us to enjoy. Yes, this is a car we must have and will have, but it so hard for us to be patient and wait for Honda to decide its time.