2011 model vehicles set to roll into Tri-parishes

As the calendar flips to mid-July, don’t look now, but we’re in the second half of 2010.

Time passed like a flash, didn’t it?

Well, wherever the first half of 2010 went, car dealerships around the Tri-Parish area want you to start thinking about 2011 already.

That’s because many of the 2011 models are creeping up just around the corner.

At Trapp Chevrolet, sales professional Stevie Hornsby is excited to announce the arrival of the 2011 three-quarter and one-ton Silverados, which he said is going to have class-leading 397 horsepower and 765 pound feet of torque.

“It’ll be more fuel efficient than the previous generation by about 15 percent better fuel mileage, better ride, more payload and more towing capacities,” said Hornsby. “In fact, we’re probably going to start seeing them in the next week or two.”

Starting at $28,906, Hornsby said upgrades could take the truck all the way up to about $60,000.

But when you think Chevy, Hornsby doesn’t want you to only think about powerful trucks.

That’s because the electric-powered 2011 Chevy Vault is set to hit the road at the end of 2010.

“This car, you plug into your outlet with an extension cord, and you let it charge up over night,” said Hornsby. “Just on electric charge at highway speeds the car can travel up to 40 miles without using any gas so you can commute to work and not use a drop of gas.”

But in case someone would like to drive more than 40 miles at a time, Hornsby said gas kicks in to propel the Vault about 600 miles through only a five gallon tank.

He said the Vault would probably begin at about $40,000.

“This is a car of the future. They have electric cars out there, but they want $100,000 for those cars,” said Hornsby. “It’s a highly anticipated car for [General Motors]. It’s a breakthrough as far as the technology and what they can do with engineering.”

Over in Terrebonne’s neighboring parish at Lafourche Ford Lincoln Mercury in Lockport, sales manager Mac Labat says, “Before you buy, give Lafourche a try.”

And he boasts the iconic Ford Mustang, with its 2011 model coming out, “any day now.”

“The mustangs with the three new engines are much improved over the 2010 models,” said Labat.

But if you’re into saving the environment rather than looking flashy, Ford is introducing the 2011 Sporty Ford Fiesta, which provides 40 miles per gallon.

Both the 2011 Fiesta and the 2011 Explorer should be out around October, according to Labat.

“The 2011 explorer has a completely new stylish appearance,” he said. “It has a whole new look.”

And to compete with the Chevy Silverado in the world of powerful trucks, the 2011 Ford SuperDuty trucks provides comparable 390 horsepower and 735 pound feet of torque.

“Ford is very stable and here to stay with fuel efficient, safe, powerful and affordable vehicles to meet the demands of today’s consumers,” said Labat.

Over in Houma, Southland Dodge Chrysler Jeep general sales manager Diane Authement doesn’t want you to forget about the 2011 models coming to her dealership.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is expected soon while the Dodge Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300 should be seen in the showroom around October, according to Authement.

“They’re very luxurious. The Grand Cherokee is going to run from the mid 20s to high 30s depending on what model,” she said. “I don’t know for sure, but I would think the others would probably run about the same.”

And with the 2011 models just around the corner, deals on the 2010 models are easy to find.

“It makes it more affordable. You can buy more car for your money,” said Authement. “So people looking for a value usually buy the old model year. The people that are wanting the newest, hottest thing will buy the new body styles.”

Hornsby at Trapp Chevrolet agreed and said the time to buy is now.

“If they want a good deal on a 2010, don’t wait until December, because there won’t be any more by that time,” he said. “In years before, we used to have 2010s still around in December, but the models this year are getting shut off real early compared to previous years – about three months earlier than previous times.”