2016 Silverado: The New Face of Strong

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71. Available fall of 2015.

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71. Available fall of 2015.

Chevy Trucks are on a roll, with pickup sales up, Chevrolet intends to strengthen this momentum with significant updates for the 2016 Silverado 1500 full-size pickup.

“The redesigned 2016 Silverado will build on Chevy Trucks’ legacy of dependability. It will feature a more muscular appearance and offer new customer-focused technologies,” said Sandor Piszar, marketing director for Chevy Trucks. “New front end designs with bold horizontal elements, sculpted hoods and dramatic lighting reflect the strength and refinement that have helped make Silverado the fastest growing full-size pickup brand this year.”

Other changes for 2016 will include expanded use of 8-speed automatic transmissions, updated Chevy MyLink with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and additional safety technologies.

Truck owners count on their pickups for everything from work to play. We look forward to welcoming the 2016 Silverado into the showroom and we know our customers are excited to get behind the wheel, too.

Chevrolet Introduces Colorado Duramax Diesel

2016 Chevrolet Colorado 2.8L Duramax Turbo Diesel

2016 Chevrolet Colorado 2.8L Duramax Turbo Diesel

The fastest-selling truck in the market now offers an available turbo-diesel engine. The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax diesel takes midsize truck capability and efficiency to unprecedented levels.

With 369 lb-ft of torque (500 Nm) generated by its all-new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel, the Colorado’s maximum trailering capacity rises to 7,700 pounds (3,492 kg) on 2WD models, with estimated fuel economy projected to top the already segment-leading efficiency of the gas models.cq5dam.web.1280.1280 (4)

“The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax diesel offers drivers capability, efficiency and control in a fun to drive package, allowing more possibilities when exploring on and off the road,” said Tyson Gamblin of Gamblin Motors “Our customers will also appreciate that it is the cleanest diesel truck engine ever produced by GM.”

The new Colorado diesel goes on sale this fall, offered in LT and Z71 Crew Cab models, with 2WD or 4WD. It is priced $3,730 more than a comparably equipped 3.6L V-6 model.

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Features included with or exclusive to Colorado diesel models:

  • Smart diesel exhaust brake system that enhances vehicle control and reduces brake wear on steep grades.
  • Standard Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission matched with a Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber (CPVA) in the torque converter, which reduces powertrain noise and vibration.
  • The Z82 trailering package is standard and includes a hitch receiver and seven-pin connector.
  • An all-new integrated trailer brake controller is standard and exclusive on diesel models.
  • The G80 automatic locking rear differential is standard.
  • A 3.42 rear axle ratio is standard.
  • A new, electronically controlled two-speed transfer case is included on 4WD models.
  • Maximum trailering rating of 7,700 pounds (3,492 kg) for 2WD models and 7,600 pounds (3,447 kg) for 4WD.
  • GVWRs of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) for 2WD and 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) for 4WD.

Teachers Can Enjoy the Highways as Much as the Hallways

Teacher Discount2

“Many people don’t know that Art Gamblin followed in his mother’s footsteps and became a school teacher and taught school for many years before changing careers and becoming a car dealer. My grandmother and father were school teachers, and three of my children are school teachers. The work of teachers and other school employees is often taken for granted or vastly underappreciated,” said Alan Gamblin of Art Gamblin Motors. Although it’s a small token of our immense gratitude for these hard-working pillars of our community, Gamblin Motors is happy to extend the GM Educator Discount program as one way of saying thanks. Now through September 30, 2015, current employees of Washington State public or private schools, universities or colleges are eligible to participate in the new GM Educator Discount program at Art Gamblin Motors and receive a significant discount on the purchase or lease of a new 2015 or 2014 Chevrolet or Buick vehicle. Teachers and school employees can get an even better deal by combining your GM Educator Discount with other current offers and savings. “GM values the work our educators and support staff are doing across the county to create a strong, responsible workforce for the future,” said Linda Stouffer, manager, Vehicle Purchase Programs for GM. “The GM Educator Discount is our way of showing our support and appreciation for everyone in the education community.” Come in and take advantage of this great offer.

Teacher Discount 1

Chevrolet Lifts Lid on 2016 Camaro Convertible

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro convertible benefits from a stiffer, lighter structure that helps reduce total vehicle weight by at least 200 pounds compared to the model it replaces. In addition, it introduces the most sophisticated convertible top in the segment, with fully automatic operation, hard tonneau cover, and the ability of opening or closing at speeds up to 30 mph.

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro convertible benefits from a stiffer, lighter structure that helps reduce total vehicle weight by at least 200 pounds compared to the model it replaces. In addition, it introduces the most sophisticated convertible top in the segment, with fully automatic operation, hard tonneau cover, and the ability of opening or closing at speeds up to 30 mph.

Let the sun shine in. Chevrolet will offer a convertible model of the all-new 2016 Camaro, featuring the segment’s most advanced top, arriving in early 2016.

The 2016 Camaro is the only convertible in the segment to offer all of the following:

  • Fully automatic operation with latches that automatically release and secure the top.
  • Capability of opening or closing at speeds up to 30 mph.
  • Remote opening with the key fob.
  • A hard tonneau cover that deploys automatically, providing a more refined, finished appearance when the top is lowered and stowed.

The electro-hydraulic power roof system features multilayer construction – including acoustic and thermal barriers – designed for a comfortable, quiet driving experience in all seasons. The top emulates the sleek silhouette of the Camaro coupe.

Like the Camaro coupe, the convertible benefits from a stiffer, lighter structure that helps reduce total vehicle weight by at least 200 pounds compared to the model it replaces. Consequently, the Camaro convertible retains the coupe’s sharp chassis tuning and nimble reflexes.

The architecture also enables the Camaro convertible’s sleek design, allowing the top to fold down completely beneath the belt line. The hard tonneau cover automatically covers the folded top, creating a finished appearance.

Convertible CamaroAbout the 2016 Camaro

The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro offers higher levels of performance, technology and refinement and is designed to maintain the sporty car segment leadership earned over the past five years.

Offered in LT and SS models, it provides a faster, more nimble driving experience and a broader powertrain range.

Six all-new powertrain combinations are offered, including a 2.0L Turbo rated at an SAE-certified 275 horsepower, an all-new 3.6L V-6 producing and SAE-certified 335 horsepower, and the LT1 6.2L V-8, which is SAE-certified at 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque – the most powerful Camaro SS ever. Each engine is available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

Camaro’s leaner, stiffer platform and slightly smaller dimensions are accentuated by a dramatic, sculpted exterior. Meticulously tuned in the wind tunnel, the exterior contributes to performance through reduced aerodynamic lift for better handling, while enhancing highway fuel efficiency.

Inside, the driver-focused cabin integrates class-leading control technologies, including a new Driver Mode Selector, configurable instrument cluster and a customizable ambient lighting feature.

FAST FACT: In 1967 – Camaro’s first model year – the available convertible model came with a manually operated top. A power-operated top was a $52.70 option selected by 47 percent of buyers.

 

Time For a Cold One

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1933 saw the first air conditioners installed in cars as an aftermarket item and it wasn’t until 1939 that the Packard Motor Car Company offered the cooling device as a factory option.  Many summers have past since then and A/C has become a standard option on just about every vehicle in the world.

Now, we will save you the boring lecture, and jump right to the cliff notes, on how this life changing system works.  With the summer heat upon us, here are a few signs that your A/C system may be in need of repair.

  1. If the air coming out of the vents isn’t as cool as you remember
  2. If you are unable to remove moisture from the windows with the defrost function
  3. If you hear a belt squeal or knocking under the hood around the A/C components
  4. If you do not hear any components turn on under the hood, or the engine RPM dip, when you turn on the A/C

Five Cars + One Truck = Six Million Dollars (part 2)

By: Alan Gamblin

It’s not every day you get to drive a million dollar car; let alone six of them. That was my experience yesterday in the desert of Nevada. Chevrolet invited their dealers to a race track in Spring Mountain, Nevada to drive prototypes of the redesigned 2016 Camaro, Malibu, Spark and Colorado Duramax Diesel. Earlier I had the opportunity to drive the new 2016 Volt at a facility in Las Vegas. As these vehicles are pre-production cars, each car cost one million dollars or more to build. I can only say it was six million dollars of awesome. Let me share some thoughts on each vehicle.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is nearly 300 pounds lighter and has wheelbase that’s been stretched nearly 4 inches, making it more fuel efficient, more functional and more agile.

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is nearly 300 pounds lighter and has wheelbase that’s been stretched nearly 4 inches, making it more fuel efficient, more functional and more agile.

The 2016 Malibu is anything but boring. I believe the new Malibu is most beautiful car in the mid-size market. The beauty is not just skin deep. What impressed me most about this car besides its looks is the fact it is a little larger, rides better and has ‘sick’ technology. That is what my young friends call something fantastic…sick.

Three of us drove both the base four cylinder engine and also the turbo charged engine. Both engines had plenty of power and the turbo charged version really moves. The car handles extremely well even in sharp turns. The back seat has more room and provides plenty of leg room even for my large driving buddy. This car has a ton of safety features available like pedestrian warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot and rear cross-traffic alerts and adaptive cruise control. But my favorite is the teen driver system. Where was this when my kids were teenagers? Enter a pin code and the system allows parents to monitor their teen’s driving habits. You can preset maximum speed, set the maximum audio system volume and even mute it until all the occupants are buckled up. Malibu can track distance driven and when the parents wish, pull up a report card when they hand you back the keys. Kids will hate this but as a parent I love the peace of mind. But teens will love the wireless phone charging pad.

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is nearly 300 pounds lighter and has wheelbase that’s been stretched nearly 4 inches, making it more fuel efficient, more functional and more agile.

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is nearly 300 pounds lighter and has wheelbase that’s been stretched nearly 4 inches, making it more fuel efficient, more functional and more agile.

Five Cars + One Truck = Six Million Dollars (Part 1)

 

By: Alan Gamblin

It’s not every day you get to drive a million dollar car; let alone six of them. That was my experience yesterday in the desert of Nevada. Chevrolet invited their dealers to a race track in Spring Mountain, Nevada to drive prototypes of the redesigned 2016 Camaro, Malibu, Spark and Colorado Duramax Diesel. Earlier I had the opportunity to drive the new 2016 Volt at a facility in Las Vegas. As these vehicles are pre-production cars, each car cost one million dollars or more to build. I can only say it was six million dollars of awesome. Let me share some thoughts on each vehicle.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro

Every year my new year’s resolution is to shed some pounds and become more athletic. While I never seem to accomplish this

2016 Camaro1 2 goal, the engineers for the new Camaro did just that. The car is lighter, quicker and more agile. I drove a 455 horsepower Camaro SS while following a race instructor around a road track. The beauty of a track is you can do things with a car you would never do at home. I admit I didn’t exactly follow the rules as I let the instructor get way ahead of me. This allowed me to open up the car full throttle so I could catch up. However, playing catch up didn’t prepare me for the hairpin turn at the end of the straight away. Yes, I scared myself and the Chevy employee next to me. I really thought I was going to be the only guy to spin out and go off roading in the desert with a million dollar car. To my amazement the SS stayed glued to the track. As I steered out of the turn I was saying to myself, “thank you God”; but it felt like the Camaro was calling me a whimp. I attest this car not only goes fast but handles amazing. Even by shedding almost 300 pounds, the new Camaro is stronger or stiffer meaning it hugs the road better. I didn’t feel any body roll in any of the turns.

From pictures the Camaro seems not to have changed much in design. In person you see the distinct Camaro look but also realize this is a completely different car. In fact only two parts were kept from the 2015 model; the Chevy logo on the back of the car and the SS badge. Everything else is brand new including the interior which is amazing. Lighter and more athletic will be my goal next year. Maybe I’ll achieve it by driving a 2016 Camaro.

2015 Enumclaw High School Photo Contest Winner

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Over the past few years, Gamblin Motors has sponsored a photo contest for Enumclaw High School students. The students are given a month to send us their very best photos. These photos are uploaded to our Facebook page. Our Facebook followers are asked to vote for the favorite photo. Students encourage their friends and family to vote for their photo. At the end of the contest, the photo with the most likes wins. The winner receives $250.

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As the photos started rolling in, we were blown away by the quality of photo entries we received. All of these entries were truly amazing. This year we received more than eighty two photos from over twenty four Enumclaw High School students. Julia Vassallo, a tenth grader, won the photo contest this year. She received 1,426 votes from our Facebook friends.

Thank you to all the students who participated, and thank you to all our friends for voting for these amazing photos. We look forward to hosting another photo contest again next year. Be on the look out for our contest in May.

 

Save Some Money and Hug a Tree

 

Print

Starting in the early 1980’s, O2 sensors or Oxygen Sensors have been standard equipment on cars and light duty trucks. Since 1995-1996 the number of sensors per car has doubled to improve efficiency.  They are a vital part to the emission and fuel systems, and as they wear they can affect your vehicles performance.   If your vehicle is experiencing any of the following symptoms than a faulty O2 sensor may be part of the problem and should be changed to avoid further and more costly repairs:

 

–          Check Engine Light

–          Poor/Reduced Fuel Economy

–          Failed Emissions Test

–          Hesitation/Surging Engine Revs

Bosch recommends that cars 1990 and newer replace their O2 sensors every 100,000 miles.  By doing so, you can expect to see an increase in Fuel Economy of 10-15% (roughly $100 savings/yr) and a decrease in emissions, which will help reduce your carbon footprint.

 

New Owner’s Clinic


New Owners Clinic 2

Once a month we offer a New Owner’s Clinic to our customers who’ve purchased a new Chevy or Buick from us. This is a great opportunity to discover our dealership, enroll in our Oil Changes on Us Program, learn some easy great maintenance tips on maintaining your car, and eat a great breakfast.

For those that have not been able to attend, here is a little glimpse into the VIP treatment we give to each of our new vehicle customers.

  • Free Breakfast, provided by ‘The Kettle’, for your entire party (no size limit)
  • Opportunity to Enroll in our Oil Changes On Us Program
  • ‘Tech Talk’ – Interact with our Service/Part/Body Shop Managers as well as Dave Cooper, GM World Class Technician about your New GM vehicle
  • ‘Meet & Greet’ – Chance to meet/socialize with our owner Alan Gamblin and his wife Jeri.
  • Free Drawings for numerous prizes/coupons/discounts

If you have missed the most recent clinic, there will be another in a few weeks. We sincerely hope you will join us for an hour or so of food, information and prizes.

Thank you again for your business!

New Owner's Clinic 2