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It's not just trucks - I was able to get my (pre-cheating-scandal) 2003 VW TDI to belch a cloud of smoke if I idled for a while (over five minutes) then worked it hard (e.g. a freeway onramp). I remember getting honked at by a Prius once...

IMO, these occasional particulate emissions were outweighed by the excellent fuel economy - rated at 46 MPG but regularly 43 MPG.

Of course, this technology has been largely obsoleted by electric drivetrains. No rolling coal from a Tesla!




I will not be at all surprised if there's an aftermarket kit to spew soot out of an otherwise electric vehicle.




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