A piston includes an upper member having a crown and a combustion surface extending radially inward from the crown. The upper member includes concentrically oriented first and second upper connecting surfaces integrally formed on the bottom side of the upper member. At least one of the upper connecting surfaces includes a curvilinear and/or multi-arcuate cross-sectional profile. The piston also includes a lower member having a pair of opposing skirts, each skirt defining a bore. The lower member also includes concentrically oriented first and second lower connecting surfaces integrally formed on a top side of the lower member. The lower member is integrally connected to the upper member by friction welding. The curvilinear and/or multi-arcuate profile enables a shortened distance between the top surface of the crown and the bore centerline of the bore. Methods of manufacturing the piston are also disclosed.