The University of Michigan’s solar car, Quantum, wrapped in Avery Dennison’s vehicle films, competed in the 2012 American Solar Car Challenge.

“The wrap is an important improvement to the car,” said Cole Witte, engineering director for the University of Michigan solar car. “We eliminated a significant amount of weight with the wrap. The vinyl conforms very well to the compound curves of Quantum’s body—and looks just like paint.”

Traditional paint weighs about 9 pounds while the wrap materials weigh 8 to 16 ounces. The reduced weight was expected to give the team a distinct advantage as Quantum made its way through the eight-state, 1,650-mile course. The wraps were installed by TKO Graphix of Indianapolis, Ind.

Avery Dennison MPI 1005 Supercast Easy Apply RS is a digitally printable pressure-sensitive vinyl that is repositionable and slideable.