Track - Arctic Cat Panther, Pantera, Bearcat - 136" X 15" X .725" - 0602-755 on 2040-parts.com

Michelin Challenge Design 2009 preview

Michelin has released details of three more contenders which will be displayed at the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit at the 2009 NAIAS next week. The stand will feature 11 scale models and 24 two-dimensional drawings that were selected by a jury of top automotive designers. Among these are Raquel Aparicio’s Soft Vehicle, Fernando Gomez’s Packard concept and Niels Grubak Iversen and David Goncalves’ Phoenix concept.

Reproducing reality – X-Rite’s Total Appearance Capture

Total Appearance Capture isn't some sinister new form of identity theft but a revolutionary method of digitizing physical models using a new scanning technology, with the ability to capture extraordinary detail and all input and output light. The system, from coatings color measurement experts X-Rite, combines color, texture, gloss and other surface characteristics into a digital material ‘description' that can be imported directly to computer-aided design programs. What sets it apart from previously available methods is its ability to collect information on complex materials such as textiles, leather, basketwork, stone, coatings and plated finishes, in a 3D scene lit by a virtual studio environment.

Lexus LF-LC turns blue for Australian motor show

Lexus has changed the color of its LF-LC for the 2012 Australian motor show in Sydney. We first saw the LF-LC in January at the 2012 Detroit auto show where it appeared in deep metallic red. To spice it up for the Australian show, Lexus has sprayed the exterior Opal Blue, inspired by the base color found in the naturally occurring semi-precious opal stone found in the Australian outback.