The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is about 100 pounds lighter than its predecessor thanks to everything from the aluminum chassis to new wire technology.
The redesigned seventh-generation sports car is the first vehicle to use a lightweight shape memory alloy wire developed by the Detroit-based automaker in place of a heavier motorized actuator to open and close the hatch vent that releases air from the trunk, according to GM.
“Smart materials like shape memory alloys offer new possibilities for many movable vehicle features,” said Jon Lauckner, GM’s chief technology officer. “These new materials enable innovative designs and new and improved features at a lower cost than traditional motors and actuators.”
Source
Michigan Live