Motor Trend show will offer look at new cars

Several new and redesigned vehicles will make their debut at the Motor Trend International Auto Show in Las Vegas, which is open to the public Friday through Sunday at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

It's a chance for buyers to jump-start their research and compare hundreds of models of cars, trucks, crossovers and sport utility vehicles, said Lauren Holzman, spokeswoman for the auto show.

They can also can test-drive the newest models from Nissan, including the 2013 Pathfinder and fully electric Leaf, to feel the performance and handling under real driving conditions. Drivers will navigate a predetermined route starting and ending at the convention center that highlights acceleration, braking and cornering.

Team Hybrid, a Las Vegas club for import "tuners," is bringing six cars to the show, including a right-hand drive Toyota Supra and modified Subaru wagon.

"We're right across from the Subaru booth, so they might freak out at what we do with a Subaru," said James Lin, who founded Team Hybrid in California. "We're bringing award-winning cars you might see in 'Fast and Furious,' but we don't like that image because of the stereotype. We're really built for race, street or show."

Lamborghini Las Vegas will display a collection of high-end exotic vehicles, and the Desert Wranglers will show off customized Jeeps.

Among new models making their auto show debut in Las Vegas are the Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Dodge Dart, Ford Fusion and Toyota Prius C.

Consumers will see the latest in technology that improves safety and entertainment aspects of new vehicles, including smartphone applications, Pandora Internet radio, built-in Wi-Fi and accident avoidance sensors.

To improve fuel economy, automakers are installing start-stop systems in many hybrid models, a technology that's also catching on with nonhybrids, Holzman said. The system automatically shuts down and then restarts the engine to minimize idling, improving fuel economy by 5 percent to 15 percent and reducing emissions.

Showgoers can stop by the Sony a77 Studio and have a digital picture taken in some of the world's fastest sports cars. Kids will be entertained by Rock-It The Robot, the 9-foot robot that uses voice and sound effects and dances to popular music.

The show runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Admission is $10 for adults, and $7 for senior citizens, military with ID and children ages 7 to 12.

The Motor Trend show is presented by the Southern Nevada Franchised New Car and Truck Dealers Association and the Nevada Franchised Auto Dealers Association.

Contact reporter Hubble Smith at hsmith@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0491.