Abstract: According to the present invention a connecting rod constructed of a rigid, primary material is defined by a longitudinally extending beam having, at a first end, a piston pin bearing boss and, at a second end, a crankpin bearing boss. The longitudinally extending beam includes an opening extending from a location near the piston pin bearing boss to a location near the crankpin bearing boss to define opposing webs or legs. A secondary material having stiffness properties different from said primary material is disposed within the opening in the longitudinally extending beam. Under loads imposed on the connecting rod during the combustion event, the opposing legs exhibit a resiliency which allows inward movement, towards the beam axis thereby compressing the secondary material in the opening. The inward movement of the opposing legs, and resulting compression of the secondary material therebetween, absorbs a portion of the applied load to reduce or modify the amplitude of the force transferred to the crankpin.