Lightweighting isn’t just about efficiency – it can also unlock performance. Working with ElringKlinger AG and General Motors, Ascend helped reimagine the engine-mounted dry sump tank used in the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette, replacing a traditional multi-piece aluminum reservoir with a single, injection-molded design made from Vydyne® R530HT.
The results speak for themselves:
• Reduced nearly 50% of the mass of the sump tank
• Saved over 70% of the cost compared to aluminum
• Maintained durability at oil temperatures up to 130°C
This collaboration proves what’s possible when material science and engineering design align: bringing lighter, more efficient, and more sustainable solutions to high-performance vehicles.
That innovation caught the industry’s attention. The project was recognized as a finalist in the Powertrain category at the 2025 Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Innovation Awards Gala, held November 5 in Livonia, Michigan. Ascend hosted a table at the Gala with our customer partners from GM, ElringKlinger and Phinia.
“OEMs and tier suppliers continue to find creative ways to improve performance and sustainability, and we are focused on helping them with technical advice and materials that solve problems,” said Ian van Duijvenboode, Ascend’s senior global mobility segment leader. “This nomination represents our shared commitment to helping our customers advance lightweighting, performance, and sustainability in next-generation vehicles.”
From the Corvette’s powerhouse engine to the next wave of electric mobility, Vydyne® PA66 is proving that replacing metal with engineered polymers isn’t just a cost or weight decision—it’s a performance advantage.
Ready to improve performance in your next application? Speak with an Ascend technical expert to explore how our materials can help you design components that don’t just perform—but help your products improve, evolve, and lead.
