2001 Toyota Tundra Radio Amplifier on 2040-parts.com

Chevrolet Cruze gets better fuel economy for the 2012 model year

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is making a run at its Eco brother, with a highway fuel-economy rating of 38 mpg with an automatic transmission, 2 mpg more than last it got last year. A manual transmission is now more widely available on the Cruze, according to the General Motors ordering guide. The 1LT and 2LT models will now be available with the six-speed manual, which should increase the fun quotient with the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine.

Hot Wheels and Icon in sandbox battle

As first reported by Jeff Glucker of Hooniverse, the toymaker Mattel has been accused of infringing on a trademark held by the low-volume vehicle builder Icon 4X4. Icon claims that a Hot Wheels toy being distributed worldwide is based on its Icon FJ40—which itself is based on the Toyota FJ40—and that Hot Wheels' use of Icon's design, promotional materials and the name “FJ40” violates trademarks held by Icon. In its response to Tuesday's Hooniverse post, Hot Wheels claimed that the toy is not based on the Icon FJ40, and that it has the right to use the term “FJ40” despite Icon's trademark.

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.