In this paper, the authors describe the optimization of a rear axle housing for a 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. This optimization was conducted using the optimization and FEA capabilities of NXTM, the product development solution from Siemens PLM software, with the objective of minimizing the weight, subject to constraints on the maximum stress in the housing. The optimization was conducted twice, once with a single design variable and once with five design variables. In both cases, the optimization problem converged to an optimal design, and the weight was reduced. In the first case, the weight of the housing was reduced by 15%; in the second case, it was reduced by 47%. These reductions could be expected to have a large impact on fuel economy and performance of the vehicle.