Pistons Popping, Ain't No Stopping

In the prevailing horrible economic climate, you know which industry is doing really well? Used cars and used auto parts. New shiny cars have become luxury items for Americans clinging by their fingernails to jobs they thought they hated just six short months ago. Eight hours in a call center doesn't sound so bad now, does it? Staring at unblemished, factory-new cars with fresh-black tires and plastic over the upholstery is like looking at porn, and test drives are the automotive equivalent of getting a lap dance, only you can talk about it later with your spouse and children. The Greater Kansas City International Auto Show revs its engines and drops from neutral right into third gear, today through Sunday at Bartle Hall (301 West 13th Street), with a glistening showcase of cars, trucks, SUVs and some awesome concept cars that will never actually see production in their improbable current forms. Hours are 5 to 10 tonight, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 8-12. If you have a Chopper Shopper card — and who doesn't these days? — you get $1 off each adult ticket. Call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 for tickets. For more information, see kansascityautoshow.com.
Wed., March 11, 5-10 p.m.; Thu., March 12, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., March 13, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., March 14, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., March 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 2009