#Idrivefor

Join Gamblin Motors in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. With 1 in 8 women being diagnosed, now is time to join together in the fight against breast cancer. Gamblin Motors has created an #IDriveFor team and is participating in Chevrolet’s annual fundraising event. Joining us is easy. Tweet out, retweet, or post to Instagram your support by using the hashtags #IDriveFor and #TeamEnumclaw. For every tweet or Instagram post with the #IDriveFor hashtag, Chevrolet will donate $5 to the American Cancer Society. Chevrolet has partnered with the ACS for seven years and raised $7.8 million dollars in the battle against this life threatening disease. These funds are used for breast cancer screening, patient care, and research. Help contribute to the cause by joining #TeamEnumclaw and tweet, retweet, and post your support with the #IDriveFor hashtag.

Perhaps a picture of a tweet, or instagram post, so they see how easy this is. I think people think they need a sign that says I drive for, etc. So if we post on our twitter and post a pic of the tweet and one from our instagram account too. My account is private. I’m assuming the account needs to be public?

http://www.chevrolet.com/breast-cancer-awareness

Third Annual Corvette Show

From the classic generations to Stingrays, we love Corvettes at Gamblin Motors.  To see some of these models in person, join us on Saturday, September 9 for our third annual Corvette show. We are teaming up with the Tacoma Corvette Club to bring an array of Corvette models to the Plateau community.

Come down to our main store (1047 Roosevelt Ave E, Enumclaw) to view these beauties and vote for the People’s Choice award winners. We will open at 10:00 a.m. for the public to begin viewing and voting.  Voting closes at noon, but the Corvettes will remain on display until 2:00.  While we are counting the ballots, enjoy music, giveaways, and a great lunch.  Awards will be handed out at 1:30.

Interested in bringing home one of the trophies? Enter your Corvette through the Tacoma Corvette Club for a $20 entry free. We hope to see you Saturday.

Meet the New President

Alan Gamblin was named 2017/2018 President of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) at the organization’s annual convention last month. WASADA is an organization that develops and promotes legislation to help dealer franchises, eliminate regular increases in the cost of doing business in Washington, and trying to protect costs for consumers. They also support dealers in their commitment to operate their dealerships in a fair and honest manner. Gamblin Motors has been involved with WASADA for years.

“When I succeeded my father as the Chevrolet dealer in Enumclaw, he told me to get involved and support the Washington State Auto Dealers Association because they do so much for our business,” Alan said. “Over the years whenever I’ve been asked by the Association to help, I’ve remembered my father’s counsel and done it. As the new WSADA President, my goal is to help connect more dealers with their elected officials in Olympia, especially the many new legislators. It is important that local and state officials understand our business so they can make informed decisions when it comes to regulation and taxation that affect our customers, community, and business.”

One of WASADA’s purposes is to help our elected officials understand the role auto dealers play in their communities around the state. Founded in 1920, the Association’s 294 dealer members serve 70 cities and towns across Washington and are responsible for annual sales volume totaling $15 billion. Together, they employ over 21,000 people with a combined payroll of more than $1.08 billion. An average dealership creates 69 local jobs, each paying on average over $54,000 per year plus benefits. Their dealership sales total 14.2% of the state’s retail sales, generating hundreds of millions of dollars of tax revenue for state and local governments through sales, corporate, and payroll tax revenue.

“It is also important to help the new generation coming into our industry,” he continued. “My father, like many former dealers before me, served in World War II when cars and business were not as complex. I’ve watched the automobile industry dramatically change over the last four decades, and it’s important to help the rising generation continue to be successful.”

 

2017 Motor Trend Car of the Year

Introducing Motor Trend’s 2017 Car of the Year, the Chevrolet Bolt EV. The Bolt is being hailed as a game changer in the industry. Chevrolet has been experimenting with electric vehicles since the 1960’s. With the new Chevrolet Bolt, they have hit their stride and are shaking up the electric car market. According to one judge, the Bolt is simply “twice the car for half the price of a BMW i3.” Motor Trend and Car and Driver are both putting Tesla on notice as this new Chevrolet has set the standard of performance but is coming in at a reasonable price. It is not just a top of the market electric car; it is a remarkable car, period. Motor Trend asserts that “perhaps the most impressive thing about the Bolt EV is there are no caveats, no ‘for an electric car’ qualifiers needed in any discussion. It is, simply, a world-class small car.” What happens when you have a long-range electric vehicle in a world-class package? You get the Motor Trend 2017 Car of the Year.

The Chevrolet Bolt EV runs an EPA=certified range of 238 miles. This long-range charge is set to cover a commute, errands, quick getaway, or any other unexpected tasks that pop up in your day. The Bolt EV’s tall hatchback design lends a comfortable experience for all passengers and does not fail to provide entertainment for those along for the ride with its seven device capable 4G LTE onboard Wi-Fi hot spot. Don’t worry drivers, you won’t be left out. Motor Trend judges report the Bolt is “fast, fun, and genuinely entertaining to drive.”

How much will the car of year cost you? This is where the Chevrolet Bolt EV truly shines. Coming in well below other electric vehicles on the market, the Bolt starts at $37,495 in LT trim, but with available tax credits, consumers can drive this vehicle home for under $30,000. This affordable, cutting edge technology housed in a world class vehicle is revolutionary for the industry. As Car and Driver affirms, the Bolt is “the most important vehicle for battery-electric technology to date.” To see the Motor Trend Car of the Year for yourself, come in for a test drive today http://bit.ly/2rdnvLC.

Mr. Gamblin Goes to Olympia

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of Dealer Day in our state’s capitol. As Vice President of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association, Alan Gamblin oversaw the day’s events in Olympia. Dealer Day is an opportunity for car dealers to meet with their local representatives and discuss legislation affecting their consumers and the industry at large. This event opens important lines of communication between representatives and their local business owners and constituents. Washington car dealers help local communities thrive by providing 20,980 family wage jobs resulting in a combined payroll of over $1.3 billion dollars. Gamblin Motors participates in Dealer Day to help relay the hopes and concerns of these workers and their communities.

During this year’s event, Alan, Jeri, and Tyson Gamblin personally met with the Washington Republican Caucus leader, Representative Dan Kristiansen, and the greater Plateau’s district representatives, Senator Phil Fortunato and House Representatives Drew Stokesbary and Morgan Irwin.  These constructive sessions allow dealers and representatives to discuss progressive legislation aimed at strengthening local businesses and protecting consumers from increased costs. Gamblin Motors believes these meetings are critical in helping our workforce and local communities. We look forward to working with our local representatives in making the Plateau a safe and prosperous place to call home.

2017 Chevy Colorado ZR2

Chevy is proud of its new 2017 Colorado ZR2. The truck is ready for any off road fun, but offers the smooth ride in the city. This truck has everyone excited. The off-road ZR2 trim level will be available this spring. It will start at $40,995 MSRP.

2017 ColoradoThe new Colorado ZR2 is loaded with exclusive features. Off-Road Mode Technology is an amazing feature that lets you pick between Desert, Mud, or Mountain. Plus, the Colorado ZR2 offers a brand new advanced 3.6L V6 engine with eight-speed transmission, in addition to the segment-exclusive Duramax® 2.8L Turbo-Diesel.  But it’s the shocks that has everyone talking. Suspension technology has been revolutionized by the Colorado’s new Multimatic shocks. The engineers at Multimatic were commissioned to build the new shock absorbers for the ZR2. Multimatic were the first to design the Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) damper. They replaced the piston and shims with a spoon valve. Chevy first used the DSSV technology in the 2014 Camaro Z/28. The engineers were excited to design shocks with their DSSV technology on a pickup. The shocks on the ZR2 make for the most comfortable ride on and off road

“ZR2 is truly a segment of one and does everything well — from traversing heavy two-track trails to high-speed desert running and full-on rock crawling. We’re thrilled to be able to offer it for more than $2,500 less than the next closest comparable vehicles.,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Trucks marketing director.  Check out the available features on the ZR2.

Available options on the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 will include:

  • Class-exclusive 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, capable of 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque
  • Choice of crew- or extended cab configurations (including short and long beds, respectively)
  • 7-speaker Bose premium audio system
  • Dealer-installed, bed-mounted spare tire carrier
  • Full-length black vinyl floor (no additional cost — standard interior features leather seats and carpet)

The ZR2’s starting MSRP includes a number of key standard features unique to the trim level, such as:

  • Class-exclusive front and rear locking electronic differentials
  • Revolutionary, segment-exclusive Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSVTM) dampers
  • Off-road rocker protection
  • Modified front and rear bumpers for better off-road obstacle clearance
  • Exclusive ZR2 17 x 8-inch aluminum alloy wheels
  • 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires
  • New cast-iron control arms
  • An aluminum skidplate that protects the radiator and engine oil pan
  • Autotrac transfer case
  • Transfer case shield
  • Aggressive grille and hood combo unique to ZR2
  • Modified rear axle with a 3.42 ratio
  • Front and rear tracks widened 3.5 inches over a standard Colorado
  • Suspension lifted 2 inches over a standard Colorado
  • Off-Road Mode Technology
  • 4-wheel disc brakes

 

Other standard features include:

  • Tow/haul mode
  • Trailering Package, including trailer hitch and 7-pin connector
  • Integrated trailer brake controller
  • Spray-on bedliner
  • Heated driver and passenger front seats
  • Wireless phone charging
  • Rear sliding window
  • EZ Lift and Lower tailgate
  • Locking tailgate
  • Recovery hooks
  • A six-speaker audio system with Chevrolet MyLink Radio with Navigation and an 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen, AM/FM stereo with seek-and-scan and a digital clock, Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones, voice-activated technology for radio and phone featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as well as an auxiliary jack
  • All-terrain spare tire with unique ZR2 wheel
  • Four USB ports: one on the instrument panel, one in the center console and two in the rear of the center console
  • Electronic automatic cruise control
  • Rear window electric defogger
  • OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi
  • Rear Vision Camera
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Remote vehicle starter system
  • 4-way power front driver and passenger seat adjuster with power driver lumbar control
  • Rear seats with underseat storage

 

 

Louisiana Flood Relief

flooding

When Gamblin Motors employee Mark Maxey headed to New Orleans for a family vacation, he was not prepared for the devastation he would see on the way to their destination. As the plane began its descent into New Orleans, Mark was able to see firsthand the flood waters covering most of the greater Baton Rouge area.  Despite being in the area five days after the waters had crested and started to recede, only outlines of streets were visible and homes were still fighting off water. Mark explained, “There was more water than land, and we were there after the worst of it.” Mark came home determined to share what he had seen and find a way to help. The National Auto Dealers Association was also determined to offer assistance to the flood victims through the NADA National Relief Fund. Gamblin Motors employees were able to raise $1,500 to donate to the fund and help fellow dealership families affected by the flooding.  

The NADA National Relief Fund was established in 1992 and since its inception has donated almost $5 million to more than 8,700 dealership employees in need. The fund provides immediate assistance to dealership families hit hard by natural disasters. With the Louisiana flooding, an estimated 140,000 individuals were displaced due to the flooding, 1,500 of which were dealership families. The majority of the homes affected by the flooding were not located in floodplains and not insured for flood damage; flooding of this magnitude was unprecedented and unthinkable. These people are in desperate need and Gamblin Motors employees were looking to do their part in helping fellow automobile industry families with their recovery.

Gamblin Motors offered to match all employee donations to help the flooding victims. Employees raised $750 and Gamblin Motors matched these funds to bring the total donation to $1,500. NADA called on all dealerships across the country to donate $1,000 to reach their goal of $2 million in aid. Gamblin Motors was determined to do more with their contribution. We continue to think of all those affected by the Louisiana floods and encourage all to determine how they might help flood victims in need. To learn more about the NADA Emergency Relief Fund, go to www.nada.org/EmergencyRelief/.

2017 Corvette Grand Sport

The new 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport combines a lightweight architecture, a track-honed aerodynamics package, Michelin tires and a naturally aspirated engine to deliver exceptional performance. The Grand Sport Collector Edition features an exclusive Watkins Glen Gray Metallic exterior with Tension Blue hash-mark graphics, satin black full-length stripes and black wheels. the new Grand Sport combines a lightweight architecture, a track-honed aerodynamics package, Michelin tires and a naturally aspirated engine.

The new 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport combines a lightweight architecture, a track-honed aerodynamics package, Michelin tires and a naturally aspirated engine to deliver exceptional performance. The Grand Sport Collector Edition features an exclusive Watkins Glen Gray Metallic exterior with Tension Blue hash-mark graphics, satin black full-length stripes and black wheels. the new Grand Sport combines a lightweight architecture, a track-honed aerodynamics package, Michelin tires and a naturally aspirated engine.

Chevrolet recently announced the track-bred 2017 Corvette Grand Sport will be priced at $66,445 for coupe models and $70,445 for convertibles, when they go on sale this summer. The prices include the destination charge, but not tax, title and other dealer fees.

With heritage-inspired design cues combined with track-focused chassis and suspension elements, the new Grand Sport builds on a legacy established in 1963, when five Grand Sport race cars were built under the direction of the Corvette’s first chief engineer, Zora Arkus-Duntov.

Performance enthusiasts will appreciate that the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport carries on the spirit of the original race cars,” said Alan Gamblin. “This track-ready sports car is sure to be a hit in our showroom with its stunning design and powerful performance capabilities.”

The new Grand Sport also offers an estimated 0-60-mph performance of 3.6 seconds and quarter-mile capability of 11.8 seconds at 118 mph, with the available Z07 performance package and available paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission. A seven-speed manual with Active Rev Match is standard.

Grand Sport models are offered with the Stingray’s full exterior and interior color palette, including 10 exterior colors:

  • Admiral Blue Metallic (late 2016 addition)
  • Watkins Glen Gray Metallic (new for 2017)
  • Black Rose Metallic (new for 2017)
  • Sterling Blue Metallic (new for 2017)
  • Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat
  • Arctic White
  • Blade Silver Metallic
  • Black
  • Corvette Racing Yellow Tintcoat
  • Torch Red.

The Drive

Kasey Kahnes Toy Kids Car b

Russell Wilson and Kasey Kahne for the third year are hosting a celebrity golf tournament THE DRIVE to support Children’s Hospital and Strong Against Cancer.  The tournament is held at Suncadia Lodge June 27 & 28th.  The Drive includes a silent and live auction to raise money for Children’s Hospital.  Last year Kahne and Wilson presented a $400,000 check to the hospital.

 Chevrolet’s driven at the Event are supplied by the Northwest Chevy Dealers and Art Gamblin Motors.  This year the Northwest Chevy Dealers donated an officially licensed one of a kind kid’s battery operated version of Kasey Kahne’s Sprint Cup Series car.  This car will be autographed by Nascar driver Kasey Kahne who was born and raised in Enumclaw then auctioned to the highest bidder.  Proceeds will go to Children’s Hospital to fight Cancer.

This unique Kid’s car is the first that will be auctioned off at various events by the Seattle International Auto Show and the Washington State New Car Dealers in support of Children’s Hospital.  The car will be featured along with other Kid cars during the Auto Show November 10-13.

 

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible Debuts at New York Auto Show

The 2017 Camaro ZL1 is poised to challenge the most advanced sports coupes in the world in any measure – with unprecedented levels of technology, refinement, track capability and straight-line acceleration.

The Camaro ZL1 was thoughtfully engineered from the inside out to offer an incredible driving experience. As a true performance coupe with the highest levels of technology, it is sure to be a hit when it arrives in our showroom.

Acceleration for the ZL1 is delivered with a new supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine estimated at 640 hp (477 kW), and either a six-speed manual transmission with active rev matching or an all-new 10-speed automatic. Handling capability starts with the lightweight, stiffer structure of the all-new sixth-Gen Camaro, married with Magnetic Ride suspension and an electronic limited-slip differential. Standard technologies include Driver Mode Selector, dual-mode exhaust and advanced connectivity features.

The 2017 Camaro ZL1 is poised to challenge the most advanced performance cars in the world in any measure – with unprecedented levels of technology, refinement, track capability and straight-line acceleration. From the fully automatic soft top that seamlessly disappears beneath the hard tonneau cover, to modular underbody bracing to allow the same sharp, nimble handling as the coupe, the Camaro ZL1 Convertible is a high-tech masterpiece. The fully automatic top can be raised or lowered with a single button while driving up to 30 mph, or lowered remotely with the keyfob.

The 2017 Camaro ZL1 is poised to challenge the most advanced performance cars in the world in any measure – with unprecedented levels of technology, refinement, track capability and straight-line acceleration. From the fully automatic soft top that seamlessly disappears beneath the hard tonneau cover, to modular underbody bracing to allow the same sharp, nimble handling as the coupe, the Camaro ZL1 Convertible is a high-tech masterpiece. The fully automatic top can be raised or lowered with a single button while driving up to 30 mph, or lowered remotely with the keyfob.

 

Functionality defines the Camaro ZL1’s form, with the exterior shaped during more than 100 hours of wind-tunnel testing and on-track validation to improve aerodynamics and cooling for track use. Accordingly, its exterior elements all play a part in managing airflow over, under and through the ZL1.

The lower grille opening, for example, offers greater airflow compared to the Camaro SS, and the upper grille incorporates a new version of the “flow-tie” open bowtie insignia. There’s also a new hood, with a carbon fiber insert and heat extractor that pulls hot air from the engine compartment. Additional changes include a larger front splitter, unique rockers, a wing-style rear spoiler and wider front fenders – all tuned to improve aerodynamics for greater high-speed stability.

A cohesive suite of performance technologies tailors ZL1’s performance for street and track. Features include an updated Magnetic Ride suspension, Performance Traction Management, electronic limited-slip differential, Custom Launch Control and Driver Mode Selector. It also has a stronger power-to-weight ratio than its predecessor, weighing 200 pounds less, while offering approximately 60 more horsepower and 80 more pound-feet of torque.

 

Underhood customers will find the ZL1 features a supercharged LT4 6.2L V-8 Small Block engine, with intake and exhaust systems tailored for Camaro. It is rated at an estimated 640 horsepower (477 kW) and 640 lb-ft of torque (868 Nm).

The LT4 is backed by a standard six-speed manual transmission or all-new, available paddle-shift 10-speed automatic. The 10-speed automatic has 7.39 overall ratio for smaller steps between gears. It enables the LT4 engine to remain at optimal rpm levels during acceleration, particularly when exiting corners, for quicker laps and lightning-quick responses on both up- and down-shifts.

This is the first Chevrolet application of the new quick-shift 10-speed, with unique calibrations and hardware developed exclusively for the ZL1. By the end of 2018, GM will introduce the new 10-speed automatic in eight vehicle models.