Get Your Motor Runnin’

Maybe these aren't the best of times for the U.S. auto industry, but not even a temporarily -- we hope -- crashing economy can tear asunder Americans' passionate affair with the automobile.

This weekend, Southern Nevada motor enthusiasts can renew their vows with all things motorized and metal at the Motor Trend International Auto Show -- Las Vegas, which opens Friday for a three-day run at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The show will feature exhibits and attractions of interest to everybody from true gearheads, to Southern Nevadans who might be in the market for a new ride, to families who are just looking for an affordable afternoon's worth of entertainment, said show spokeswoman Lauren Holzman.

According to Holzman, the most popular attraction at the show invariably is the display of concept cars, those futuristic prototype vehicles that won't be seen on dealer showrooms anytime soon, but that offer a glimpse into what might be cruising the highways a decade or three from now.

Among this year's crop of concept cars at the Las Vegas show will be the Chrysler Akino, a sort of mobile cocoon that strives to offer all the cozy comforts of home in an eight-foot-long package.

"I wish it were on the road now," Holzman says. "It packs a lot into a small package," including a back seat designed like a sofa and front seats that, armchairlike, swivel back and forth.

Then, there's the aptly named Dodge Kahuna, a minivan designed for surfers that features a translucent rollback roof, and a perfect-for-Vegas vehicle: The Chrysler Town & Country Black Jack, which has a miniature casino -- complete with game table -- right in the front seat.

In a more practical vein, Southern Nevadans who are shopping for a new car can check out the more than 300 domestic and import 2009 vehicles that will be on display.

"If people are in the market for a vehicle, this is the hot spot," Holzman says.

"We see a lot of families and a lot of couples come and work together, pen and paper in hand, to make notes and really compare the Fords to the Chevys right across the aisle."

Speaking of which: The Southern Nevada Ford Dealers will sponsor "Ford Drive One Ride & Drive," where showgoers can take a new Ford vehicle -- including the new Mustang, Flex and F-150 -- for a spin.

Also featured will be a "Green Trail," where showgoers can seek out alternative-fuel cars; a display of tricked-out, customized vehicles; appearances by the comic book character "Iron Man" for the kids, Hawaiian Tropic Zone models for kids' dads and clowns for just about everybody; and giveaways of DVDs, pet safety products, UNLV basketball tickets and other items.

Parking is free, Holzman says, and every adult ticket purchase comes with a free one-year subscription to Motor Trend magazine.

Contact reporter John Przybys at jprzybys@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0280.