Arvin Ind. Delivers Titanium Exhaust System for the 2001 Corvette Z06
1 July 2000
State-of-the-Art Technology Makes New Corvette More Responsive and Fuel Efficient
COLUMBUS, Ind. - Arvin Industries, Inc. and General Motors have merged technological innovation and corporate vision to develop the first ever, mass-market automotive Titanium Exhaust System for the 2001 Corvette Z06."The combination of Arvin's creative innovative engineering and GM's dedication to superior performance has brought to market a first of its kind exhaust system," Michael Daniel, Arvin Director of Sales and Marketing said. "This exhaust system provides vehicle performance improvement and a product offering that is uniquely Corvette Z06. We have brought racing technology to a street car."
Arvin began experimenting with Titanium in 1993. Working with its Titanium supplier/partner, Timet, the two companies were able to develop new processing and design methods that would allow the use of titanium in a mass production environment. GM challenged Arvin with some strict performance goals for the 2001 Corvette Z06 and titanium was the answer. Now, with Arvin's technology and Timet's development support, the two companies are able to present this triumph of innovation on the Corvette, one of the legendary staples of the sports car world. Arvin has captured their proprietary technology under the name Arvin T-3 for Titanium, Technology and Testing.
Advantages of Arvin's Titanium Exhaust System
-- Weight Reduction - 44% lighter than stainless steel for faster
acceleration and deceleration, better handling, and shorter
braking distances.
-- Fuel Efficiency - Weight reduction with packaging efficiency
-- Environmentally Responsible - 100% recyclable and long-lasting
-- Durability - Corrosion immunity to common road salts and acids
"Titanium is most widely used in the commercial aircraft and space industries," Earl Clipp, Arvin Product Manager said. "It's a tricky material to work with, and trying to come up with an efficient system to create automobile exhaust components was a real discovery process."
Arvin's biggest challenge was to overcome the processing issues and constraints related to Titanium's unique structural properties. The company used its technology to successfully adapt its current processing methods, which deal with stainless steel, to these different material characteristics.
"Welding Titanium is an extremely delicate process," Graham Thieman, Arvin Director of Engineering said. "Titanium's tendency to degrade by absorbing oxygen when molten necessitates welding in a vacuum or with inert gas shielding. Arvin's unique weld shielding process results in welds that are totally immune to any form of corrosion for the life of the vehicle."
Arvin's feat is not merely scientific, but also aesthetic. The company has exceeded the capabilities within the industry of forming Titanium to make a cosmetically attractive exhaust tip. The edge of the pipe is cut at an angle and then curled on the radius. This innovation pushes the strength of the metal, creating a design as classic as the Corvette.
"The Corvette and Titanium are a natural fit -- unique, technologically advanced, high performance, top of the line," Daniel said. "This advancement will take a great sports car and make it more responsive, while at the same time, improving the fuel economy."
Arvin Industries, Inc., and Meritor Automotive, Inc. expect to finalize a strategic merger of equals on July 7. The new company, ArvinMeritor, Inc., will focus on the creation of a premier global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components for light vehicle, commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and related aftermarkets. The new company will have combined revenues of $7.5 billion and its corporate headquarters will be based in Troy, Mich.
Arvin Industries, Inc., is a global manufacturer of automotive components with over 60 manufacturing facilities and 6 technical centers located in 22 countries. Arvin is a leading manufacturer of automotive exhaust systems; ride control products; air, oil and fuel filters; and gas charged lift supports. Our replacement products are sold under various trademarks including Arvin, Maremont, Timax, ANSA and ROSI exhaust systems; Gabriel shock absorbers; Purolator filters; and StrongArm gas charged lift supports.