An engine block, an automotive structure, and a method of coating an inner surface of an engine cylinder bore of an engine cylinder are provided. The method includes providing an inner bore substrate defining an inner surface of the engine cylinder bore, the inner bore substrate being formed of a first material. The method further includes disposing a thermal spray coating onto the inner surface of the engine cylinder bore. The thermal spray coating is formed of a second material that is different than the first material. The method also includes melting at least a portion of the thermal spray coating with a laser after performing the step of disposing the thermal spray coating onto the inner surface of the engine cylinder bore. The automotive structure and the engine block have a substrate covered by a thermal spray coating and laser remelted sections anchoring the coating to the substrate.