Motor Trend car show features low-cost fun

For those looking to save rather then spend on Black Friday, the Motor Trend International Auto show is a free-to-low-cost event taking place today through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road.

The auto show features the newest models and concepts from most vehicle manufacturers and showcases the latest automotive technology.

"It's a place to come and see all the new makes and models under one roof," Lauren Holzman, Motor Trend representative, said.

The European Ford Fiesta, which is not yet available for purchase in North America, will make an appearance and will be available for test drives at this year's show.

High-end exotics such as Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Ferraris and Maseratis, will also be on display, along with the 2010 Toyota Prius, the "hybrid that started it all," which features push-button entry and engine start, as well as solar panels on the car's roof that help to cool the its interior.

Tecnology highlights include in-vehicle Wi-Fi, available in new Cadillac, Chrysler and Dodges; cars that parallel park themselves; and blind-spot monitoring, which alerts drivers of Fords, Chryslers and General Motors Corp. vehicles if they are in danger of crashing. Also available from Ford is MyKey technology, which allows parents of new drivers to limit the speed and radio volume of their teens' cars.

Adding to the list of giveaways are free CDs and DVDs on Saturday and Sunday, as well as 15 stations where attendees can play video games and enter a Guitar Hero contest on Saturday. Super heroes will appear throughout the weekend and Sunday is designated as Kids' Day.

Tickets cost $5-$8 at the door or can be purchased in advance online at www.AutoShowLV.com. Free tickets are also available at participating 7-Eleven convenience stores, Sonic Drive-Ins and Albertsons supermarkets. Parking to the event is free.