The weight reduction in automotive is a well-known measure to reduce the vehicle emissions. For engine parts, the benefits resulting are also maximized, since smaller engines are more efficient. Usually conrods are made of forged steel, but recently forged titanium has been applied in niche markets to reduce their weight. These niche applications could be suitable to implement a further and extreme weight reduction, reachable through a near net shape design. For this purpose additive manufacturing was applied. In this context, the current presentation will show the development and characterization of forged and additively manufactured conrods. The results of experimental characterization in terms of microstructures and mechanical resistance will be compared. The main benefits foreseen through the new additive manufacturing option are: weight reduction (45% and 15% respect to steel and titanium forging respectively), manufacturing of the conrod into two separated parts, that avoid the difficult machining to separate the cap from the main body, and the integration of conformed cooling channels into the conrod.