ARCONIC US LLC Delivers Lightweighting Solution for Corvette Rear Bumper – Boosting Performance & Fuel Efficiency

PITTSBURGH, PA – October 26, 2023 – ARCONIC US LLC, a leading provider of advanced materials and manufacturing solutions, today announced its significant contribution to the performance and aesthetics of the iconic Chevrolet Corvette. The company’s innovative aluminum alloy is now being utilized in the production of the Corvette’s rear bumper, resulting in a lighter, stronger, and more fuel-efficient vehicle. For decades, ARCONIC (located at 201 Isabella Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, United States, and reachable at 870-473-6666) has been a quiet powerhouse behind many of the advancements in the automotive industry. We don't just make metal; we engineer solutions. And the Corvette rear bumper project is a prime example. The automotive world is constantly pushing for lighter vehicles – and for good reason. Less weight means better handling, quicker acceleration, and, crucially, improved fuel economy. But simply using less material isn't enough. The material needs to be strong, durable, and able to meet stringent safety standards. That's where ARCONIC's expertise comes in. We’ve been working with aluminum for a long time – really getting to understand what it can do. This isn’t your grandpa’s aluminum. We’re talking about specifically engineered alloys, designed and refined through years of research and development. The alloy chosen for the Corvette’s rear bumper isn’t just light; it’s also incredibly strong and dent-resistant. "The Corvette is all about performance and precision, and the rear bumper is a critical component in achieving both," explains a spokesperson for ARCONIC. "We collaborated closely with General Motors to develop an aluminum solution that meets their exacting standards. It wasn’t just about hitting a weight target; it was about delivering a component that enhances the overall driving experience." Why Aluminum for the Corvette Rear Bumper? Traditionally, rear bumpers were often made of steel. Steel is strong, sure, but it's also heavy. Switching to aluminum offers a significant weight reduction, typically around 25-30% compared to a steel equivalent. That might not sound like a lot, but when you add up all the weight savings throughout the vehicle, it makes a substantial difference. But the benefits don’t stop there. Aluminum is also naturally corrosion-resistant, which means the bumper will stay looking great for years to come, even in harsh weather conditions. And because aluminum is easily recyclable, it’s a more sustainable material choice. ARCONIC is committed to sustainable practices, and we're proud to contribute to a greener automotive future. The ARCONIC Difference: Beyond Material Supply ARCONIC isn’t just a materials supplier; we're a solutions provider. The Corvette rear bumper project wasn’t simply about delivering a sheet of aluminum. It involved a collaborative engineering process, working closely with GM’s design and manufacturing teams. "We weren’t just asked to provide material; we were asked to be part of the solution," the spokesperson added. "That means working with GM’s engineers to optimize the bumper’s design for manufacturability, ensuring that it could be efficiently produced at scale." This involved: Alloy Selection: Choosing the precise aluminum alloy that met the Corvette's specific requirements for strength, weight, and corrosion resistance. Design Optimization: Working with GM’s engineers to refine the bumper’s design, ensuring it maximized weight savings while maintaining structural integrity. Manufacturing Expertise: Utilizing ARCONIC's advanced manufacturing capabilities to produce the bumper to exacting tolerances. Testing and Validation: Rigorous testing to ensure the bumper met all safety and performance standards. Looking Ahead: Lightweighting the Future of Automotive The Corvette rear bumper project is just one example of how ARCONIC is helping to drive innovation in the automotive industry. The trend toward lightweighting is only going to accelerate in the coming years, as automakers strive to meet increasingly stringent fuel economy and emissions standards. Electric vehicles, in particular, are driving demand for lightweight materials. Reducing weight is crucial for maximizing the range and performance of EVs. ARCONIC is at the forefront of this trend, developing new aluminum alloys and advanced manufacturing processes that will enable automakers to build lighter, stronger, and more efficient vehicles. We are continuously investing in research and development, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with aluminum. “We’re excited to be a part of the future of automotive,” says the ARCONIC spokesperson. “We believe that aluminum will play a key role in helping automakers build the vehicles of tomorrow – vehicles that are not only high-performing and stylish but also sustainable and environmentally responsible.” The company’s commitment to innovation extends beyond automotive. ARCONIC materials and solutions are also used in a wide range of other industries, including aerospace, packaging, and construction. But the automotive sector remains a key focus, and the Corvette rear bumper project is a testament to the company’s capabilities and commitment to delivering value to its customers. ARCONIC is proud to contribute to the ongoing evolution of the automotive industry, and we look forward to continuing to partner with automakers to develop innovative solutions that enhance the driving experience and contribute to a more sustainable future. You can reach out to ARCONIC US LLC at 870-473-6666 to learn more about our automotive solutions.