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Excellent article from GMInsiders.com. Maybe the possibility that I have to hold off for the 2nd year of Camaro production will turn out to be a good thing and I'll have "smart materials" used in the build of my Camaro! Check this article out.

GM scientists at the Research and Development Center in Warren, Mich., have made a technological breakthrough in smart materials, which will be ready for series production in vehicles from as early as 2010.

These shape memory alloys and polymers can change their shape, strength, and/or stiffness when heat, stress, a magnetic field or electrical voltage are introduced. This opens new possibilities for many movable vehicle features, as shape memory alloys, and polymers in particular, "remember" their original shape and can return to it.

"Smart materials will change the look and feel of our cars and trucks," said Larry Burns, GM vice president of research and development and strategic planning. "With these new materials, functionality can be 'programmed in' to enable innovative designs, improved efficiency, and new and improved features that will make our vehicles more exciting to own and operate than the automobiles of the past."

Actuators and sensors made from these materials have the potential to improve vehicle performance, fuel economy, as well as enable new comfort and convenience features.