((a)) ** In general** As soon as practicable after , the Secretary of Energy shall establish a program to determine ways in which the weight of motor vehicles could be reduced to improve fuel efficiency without compromising passenger safety by conducting research, development, and demonstration relating to—
((1)) the development of new materials (including cast metal composite materials formed by autocombustion synthesis) and material processes that yield a higher strength-to-weight ratio or other properties that reduce vehicle weight; and
((2)) reducing the cost of—
((A)) lightweight materials (including high-strength steel alloys, aluminum, magnesium, metal composites, and carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites) with the properties required for construction of lighter-weight vehicles; and
((B)) materials processing, automated manufacturing, joining, and recycling lightweight materials for high-volume applications.
((b)) ** Authorization of appropriations** There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $80,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.