Very interesting concept. Materials that are lighter, less expensive and much more convenient for the consumer. How would you like to see accident damaged body panels that don't need to be replaced, but can be heated and returned back to their original shape?

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...703090376/1014

Cool video here:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...70309010/1014/

 

Wow! That is some cool stuff. Lighter, cheaper materials. No more dents, that is nice. LOL, I guess no more rear quarters getting stress dents. Well if they do you just shock them into place.

 

I've been reading about smart materials for a while and wondering when they'd come to cars. I didn't realize they were also lighter, though - that's great news if they are - I wonder how much lighter... like just lighter than steel?... or aluminum or fiberglass or carbon fiber?

 

I believe the point of the article was that they're not lighter and cheaper just by themselves; they lighter and cheaper compared to making a *system* the traditional way, i.e. with controllers, actuators, linkages, etc.

 

That would put people like me out of business on new cars.

 

Thats a pretty cool concept.

 

Once again GM shows, they are truely the leaders of the automotive industry!

 

They need to get it into production and make it reliable before they'll be "leaders". A step in the right direction, yes. But it wouldn't be the first time GM has come up with something, shelved it and watched a competitor take the credit a year later.

 

Just need to get some regenerative paint and daily drivers will be able to stay much more attractive for longer.

 

Nissan had something like that, paint that could heal scratches, but there were issues with the longevity of the finish IIRC.

 

GM did not discover "memory metals."
Maybe they are researching it now, but they didn't discover it.

 

Indeed, GM used to lead the world in introducing half-baked technology, souring the public, and watching someone else do it right later on. But in recent years, European car manufacturers have totally taken over in this category.

Seriously, GM is on to something with these new materials; however, they're fools if they think that no one else is looking at doing similar things.

 

I like the water thing.

Have an accident? Don't worry, the rain will take care of it...

 

I know, I discovered them.