In the American Solar Challenge in July 2012—an annual competition to design, build and race solar-powered cars across the U.S.—the defending champion, the University of Michigan, finished in first place with Quantum, a vehicle wrapped in Avery Dennison products.

Traditional car paint is heavy, so the application of MPI 1005 Supercast Easy Apply RS pressure-sensitive vinyl and DOL 1360 gloss clear cast vinyl was expected to provide an advantage over competitors. The installation was handled by TKO Graphix.

“The wrap is an important improvement to the car,” says Cole Witte, the university’s engineering director for the solar car. “The vinyl conforms very well to the car’s compound curves and looks just like paint. We’ve focused on streamlining Quantum over the last two years and shaved off 90.7 kg (200 lb) compared to our previous car.”

Specifically, a traditional paint job weighs around 4 kg (9 lb), while Quantum’s wrap materials weigh between 227 and 454 g (8 and 16 oz).

The 2,655-km (1,650-mi) race began on July 14 in Rochester, N.Y., passed through eight states in eight days and ended in St. Paul, Minn. It marked the university’s seventh win in the competition’s 20 years.

“The opportunity to support the most successful solar car team and the engineering, innovation and dedication university’s student-led group is an honour,” says Kathleen Hall, vice-president (VP) and general manager (GM) of Avery Dennison’s graphics and reflective solutions for the Americas.