Proterra Power Unveils Revolutionary LS Connecting Rods – Boosting Performance & Durability for Enthusiasts & Professionals

BURLINGAME, CA – October 26, 2023 – Proterra Power, a leading innovator in advanced energy storage and power solutions, today announced the launch of its high-performance LS connecting rods, designed to dramatically improve the reliability and power output of popular LS engine platforms. While known for its work in electric bus and industrial power systems, Proterra Power is now bringing its materials science expertise and rigorous engineering to the automotive aftermarket, specifically targeting performance enthusiasts and professional engine builders. For years, the LS engine family – encompassing the iconic 5.7L, 6.0L, 6.2L, and beyond – has been the go-to choice for everything from daily drivers to race cars. However, even these robust engines have limitations, particularly when pushed to their extremes. The factory connecting rods, while generally reliable, can become a weak link when subjected to increased horsepower, high RPMs, and the stresses of forced induction. “We saw a gap in the market for truly high-quality, meticulously engineered connecting rods for the LS platform,” explains David Bennett, Chief Engineer at Proterra Power. “Engine builders and enthusiasts consistently demand more from their engines. They’re adding superchargers, turbochargers, and pushing displacement limits. The stock rods often just aren't up to the task. We figured, hey, we’re pretty good at building strong, lightweight components for demanding applications – why not apply that knowledge to the automotive world?” What Makes Proterra Power’s LS Connecting Rods Different? Proterra Power’s LS connecting rods aren’t just another set of aftermarket parts. These rods are the result of extensive research, development, and rigorous testing, incorporating several key innovations: Premium Materials: Forget the common 4340 steel. Proterra Power utilizes a proprietary blend of aerospace-grade alloy steels, carefully selected for their exceptional tensile strength, fatigue resistance, and weight characteristics. This isn’t just about strength, it's about lasting strength under extreme conditions. “We’re talking about materials normally found in aircraft engines – that level of quality,” Bennett confirms. Advanced Design & Engineering: The rod design goes beyond simply replicating the factory geometry. Proterra Power’s engineers have optimized the rod's dimensions and geometry using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to maximize strength and minimize weight. Key features include: Lightweight Design: Reduced weight minimizes reciprocating mass, allowing for faster engine revving and improved throttle response. Every gram counts when you’re chasing performance. Optimized Big End Geometry: The big end, where the rod connects to the crankshaft, is specifically designed to distribute stress evenly, preventing premature wear and failure. Increased Wrist Pin Boss Strength: The wrist pin boss, where the piston connects to the rod, is reinforced to handle increased cylinder pressures and prevent deformation. Precision Manufacturing: These rods aren't made in a mass-production facility. Proterra Power leverages advanced CNC machining techniques and stringent quality control processes to ensure that every rod meets exacting tolerances. Each rod is individually inspected for dimensional accuracy and surface finish. Superior Finishing: Proterra Power utilizes a specialized coating process that not only enhances corrosion resistance but also reduces friction, contributing to improved engine efficiency and performance. Built to Handle the Heat (and the Horsepower) Proterra Power’s LS connecting rods are designed for a wide range of applications, from mildly modified street engines to full-blown race cars. They’re capable of handling extreme horsepower levels and high RPMs with confidence. “We’ve tested these rods extensively on our dyno and in real-world applications,” says Bennett. “We’ve seen them withstand over 1,000 horsepower and maintain their structural integrity even under punishing conditions. We're confident these rods can handle whatever you throw at them.” Target Applications: Street Performance: Upgrade your LS engine with a reliable and durable set of connecting rods to handle moderate horsepower increases and improved driving dynamics. Forced Induction: A must-have for supercharged or turbocharged LS engines. These rods provide the strength and durability needed to withstand increased cylinder pressures. High-Revving Engines: Reduce reciprocating mass and improve throttle response for high-performance engines designed to rev to their limit. Racing Applications: Built to withstand the extreme demands of racing, these rods provide the reliability and performance needed to win. Availability & Pricing Proterra Power’s LS connecting rods are available now through authorized dealers and directly from the Proterra Power website (www.proterrapowered.com – website currently under development, contact info below). Pricing starts at $899 per set (including ARP2000 connecting rod bolts). About Proterra Power Based in Burlingame, California, Proterra Power is a leading innovator in advanced energy storage and power solutions. Originally focused on developing battery systems for electric buses and industrial applications, Proterra Power has expanded its expertise to encompass a wider range of automotive applications. The company is committed to delivering high-quality, performance-driven products that enhance the driving experience and push the boundaries of automotive technology. Contact: Proterra Power Powered LLC 1815 Rollins Rd Burlingame, CA 94010-2204 UNITED STATES Phone: 254-542-8622 Email: [email protected] (preferred method of contact initially)