Whether you're a tire kicker, a soon-to-be buyer or just somebody who loves cars, the Pittsburgh International Auto Show that starts tomorrow promises to tickle your fancy.

The show, which runs through Feb. 20 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, is being held in the midst of some pretty interesting trends, all of which will be on display.

And for the first time in memory, the Pittsburgh show actually will see the debut of some new models only weeks after they premiered at the prestigious North American Auto Show in Detroit. Ordinarily, Pittsburgh doesn't get such cars until about a year later.

One of them is the long-awaited 2006 Ford Fusion, a snappy, good-looking family sedan a bit smaller than the company's Five Hundred. It's brimming with high style and lots of interesting features.

One noticeable trend that will be visible at the show is the resurgence of the luxury car. Thanks to lower lease rates, rebates and a growing number of baby boomers buyers of the wheels they always dreamed about, luxury car sales are booming.

You'll see the Lincoln Zephyr, a midsized entry-level luxury sedan costing less than $30,000 that was first shown in Detroit a month ago. It's built on the well-regarded Mazda 6 platform -- which, some say, shows in the way it handles.

You'll also see Mercedes-Benz's stunning CLS500 four-door coupe -- the first in this segment. With its dramatic fastback roofline and classically flavored interior, critics have called it the most beautiful Mercedes ever built.

If you like your luxury with an SUV flavor, check out Land Rover's LR-3, which can adjust to up to five terrains automatically. Another all-new luxury sedan on display will be Acura's RL, a stunning replacement for a car that has always had low-key styling and road presence. It features a real time traffic system that can alert you to trouble spots on the road and give you alternate routes to your destination.

You'll also see some pretty interesting technological trends on display, such as a system on BMWs that allows you to plug in your iPod and access your song list through the radio. Infiniti's all new M45 also will be on display with a system of cameras that tracks yellow lines and vibrates the driver's seat as a warning if the vehicle crosses the lines without signaling.

Of course, there are lots of hybrids on display, including Honda's new Accord Hybrid, the Civic and Insight Hybrids, Toyota's popular Prius and the Lexus RX400h, the world's first luxury hybrid SUV.

A big trend is that of crossover vehicles, which are designed to combine the best features of minivans, sport utility vehicles and passenger cars -- all with a carlike ride. If you want to check out a few, look at the Ford Freestyle, Infiniti FX45, Chrysler Pacifica, Nissan Murano and Mitsubishi Endeavor.

You may be wondering how to make the best of the big and busy show.

First, do your homework. Check manufacturers' Web sites, take a look at consumer car magazines or car buff books, and be sure you know about the latest trends. Otherwise, all the choices are bound to confuse you when you hit the show.

Remember, if you're shopping and not just looking, bear in mind your own personal needs as you look. Don't be fooled by the exterior dimensions of cars and trucks, for instance. There are some big cars with little space, and some pint-size ones that are huge inside.

Also, consider any special handicaps or physical conditions you have. If you have arthritis, for instance, make sure you can turn all knobs and controls with ease. And if you're sight isn't the best, better make sure you can make out all the dashboard gauges and controls.

Also, check the seat adjustments -- few people think about that until they are uncomfortable, and be sure you check rearward visibility, too.

Do you understand such terms as electronic ignition, traction control, stability control, all-wheel drive, etc.? If not, ask one of the salespeople. Don't be afraid -- this isn't the day to strike a deal for purchase or lease. It's the day for asking questions, and the personnel on hand expect it.

You could leave younger children at home. It's going to be crowded, time goes quickly and the little ones soon get worn out -- and that might cut your visit short.

First Published: February 11, 2005, 5:00 a.m.