Motor Trend Auto Show wheels into town this weekend

Consumers can check out the latest technological improvements in automotive safety and entertainment features at the Motor Trend International Auto Show that runs Friday through Sunday at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Drivers who struggle with parallel parking might like the "parking assist" sensors that maneuver a vehicle into a parking spot with the push of a button. It's available on select models from BMW, Ford, Lexus and Toyota.

"Accident avoidance" sensors monitor other vehicles close to the car, as well as driver's reactions, to pre-emptively prepare for collisions and, in some cases, to prevent them. Cars are now equipped with radar-guided cruise control to minimize rear-end collisions and chime alerts to awaken sleepy drivers.

The Ford Explorer offers an option for inflatable rear seat belts that provide added protection for children and back-seat passengers.

Targeted toward prospective buyers, the Motor Trend Auto Show gives consumers a chance to look at new cars, trucks, hybrids and crossovers without any sales pressure. They can sit in the vehicles, compare features and research information.

This year's showgoers will get a sneak preview of the 2013 Ford Taurus and other preproduction vehicles not yet in dealerships.

Among the new or redesigned vehicles making their auto show debut are the Acura TL, Buick Verano, Chevrolet Sonic, Hyundai Veloster and Fiat 500.

Other technological advancements include:

■ Pandora Internet radio. Popular on computers and mobile devices, it plays music similar to song or artist suggestions entered. It also allows drivers to create their ideal custom radio playlist for the road.

■ Smartphone applications. Auto manufacturers have developed new apps that enable owners to lock and unlock doors, remotely start the car and even check tire pressure. Electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf have apps to check the car's level of electrical charge.

■ Built-in Wi-Fi. weather, navigation, showtimes, e-mail and even gaming are just a click away. Passengers can surf the World Wide Web from their laptops while the car is moving and drivers can access the Web from the navigation screen when the vehicle is parked.

■ Streaming Bluetooth audio. Music lovers can listen to MP3 players through Bluetooth. This capability is available on the iPhone, Droid and any MP3 player equipped for streaming with an adapter.

Show hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for children (7-12), military and senior citizens (62 and older). Show highlights include the 9-foot Rock-It Robot roving performer, comic book heroes Spider-Man and Captain America on Sunday, and 17 video game stations including Xbox 360, Playstation3 and Nintendo Wii.

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