This was in the new SAE email letter thing that they send out. Basically, it eliminated the need to sleeve aluminum blocks with iron, and saves weight and reduces friction. I found it a cool read, figured I would share.

Materials - Automotive Engineering International Online

 

Thats really awesome, my only question is, if the block gets scored, and needs to get bored out, it would have to be recoated, right? But thats really cool, i love technological advancements like that, instead of sync in your mercury.