I’ve noticed a trend that seems to be getting out of hand, and while it’s possible there is a true functional reason behind it I still find it a be odd, and kinda hilarious. As the diesel engines for HD pickups become more and powerful, complex and sophisticated, the size of the exhaust pipes are getting X-Treme. The 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD with the massive 6.6-liter Duramax Diesel has the biggest stock exhaust pipe I’ve ever seen on a light-duty (comparatively speaking) vehicle. Actually, it’s really more of a tunnel to the engine than a pipe. It’s the kind of thing that reminds me of a huge horn that might be blown by a creature from the imagination of Dr. Seuss, only not quite as ornate. Five inches in diameter, this thing. Does it make the driver feel more formidable? It ought to, considering the diesel w/ the 6-speed Allison transmission adds about $8395 to the price.