Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Motor Trend's show rolls into Vegas

Annual automotive extravaganza offers sneak peek of new models, concept vehicles

Chrysler launched the Crossfire Roadster as a 2005 model. The Chevy Cheyenne is a one-of-a-kind concept vehicles on display at the auto show.

The hottest cars, trucks and sport-utility vehicles for the 2005 model year will roll into the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 2005 Motor Trend International Auto Show. Open to the public today through Sunday, this automotive extravaganza will also offer concept vehicles, distinctive vehicle displays and special appearances by "Mail Call" host and actor R. Lee Ermey and Tommy Pickles of the "Rugrats."

Domestic and import manufacturers will host exhibits showcasing the latest in performance, style and comfort. Automotive enthusiasts will enjoy viewing many new models from Acura, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, Nissan, Pontiac, Saturn, Scion, Suzuki, Toyota and Volkswagen in a no-pressure, non-selling atmosphere. The public is invited to sit in the driver's seats, inspect engines and compare legroom on a host of new vehicles. Among the list of 2005-model "must-sees" are the Chrysler 300, Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, Lexus RX 400h and Scion tC.

Additional "show-stoppers" are the unique concept cars designed just for auto shows. These one-of-a-kind vehicles include the Chevrolet Cheyenne and Lincoln Aviator, scheduled for display at the show.

Concept cars serve as test beds for out-of-this-world design ideas and forward-thinking technologies, and may offer attendees a sneak-peek at actual production vehicles of the future. The Chevrolet Cheyenne and Lincoln Aviator Crossover concepts exemplify these very ideas.

Equipped with a bed that is accessible by two side-access doors and a traditional tailgate, a vast amount of storage and a luxurious leather and satin-finish aluminum interior, the Cheyenne combines ruggedly elegant styling with new levels of cargo-carrying versatility for personal and business use. Meanwhile, Lincoln's Aviator Crossover concept offers the best of both worlds -- the go-anywhere capability of a sport-utility and the comfort and elegance that customers have come to expect from Lincoln.

Import and domestic auto enthusiasts alike will enjoy a variety of specialty vehicles on display throughout the show. The Mustang Club of Las Vegas will showcase a collection of Ford Mustangs, while a collection of Nissan and Datsun Z models from each generation will be on display, courtesy of the Sin City Z Club. In addition, auto show attendees will have the chance to check out the latest in aftermarket accessories at the sport compact display, courtesy of Mark Collins.

As always, family fun is integrated into the Motor Trend International Auto Show on Sunday for Kids Day. All children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. In addition, "Rugrats" character Tommy Pickles will be making special appearances between noon and 3 p.m., courtesy of Cox Media.

The Fifth-Annual Motor Trend International Auto Show is sponsored by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Sun, along with the Southern Nevada Franchised New Car and Truck Dealers Association and Nevada Franchised Auto Dealers Association, and presented and produced by Motor Trend Auto Shows, Inc. The auto show will be open to the public at the Las Vegas Convention Center today through Sunday. The Las Vegas Convention Center is located at 3150 Paradise Road, one block east of the Las Vegas Strip, on the corner of Desert Inn and Paradise roads.

The auto show is pleased to provide free parking in Silver Lot 3 for all attendees.

Show hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today through Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults (13 and over), $5 for senior citizens (62 and over), $4 for military personnel (with I.D.), $4 for children (7 through 12) and free for children 6 and under. Discount coupons are available while supplies last at participating new car dealerships, Rebel gas stations and Sav-On locations and on the official auto show Web site, motortrendautoshows.com/lasvegas.