It’s the nearing the end of July, which means we have about 1 month to check off items on our summer bucket lists and make memories. That might sound overwhelming or like a lot of pressure, but you can see and do a LOT in a month in our area. Here are some of our local, summer bucket list ideas to finish out the season strong!

  • Drive up to Lake Diablo/Diablo Dam in the North Cascades. The color of the lake is the stuff Instagram posts were made for. Go across the dam, dip your toes in the water, and even make a learning adventure out of it by checking out the North Cascades Environmental Institute nearby!
  • Ride the ferry! It doesn’t matter which ferry, really, because there is nothin more quintessentially Puget Sound in the summer than a ferry ride. If you want to “go big,” take a ferry ride to/around the San Juan Islands from Anacortes. If you want something closer to home, take the ferry from Fauntleroy to Vashon Island.
  • If you’d rather see the mountains in the southern part of the state instead of the North Cascades, nothing can beat a summer trip to Mount Rainier. Take in the wild flower fields, hike alongside rivers and creeks, camp under the stars. Mount Rainier is a must-do in the Pacific Northwest.
  • If you want adventure, than white water rafting near Leavenworth might be perfect for you! You could easily make a day trip of driving up to this charming Bavarian village in the Cascades, battle some rapids via several guided tour options, and be home to sleep in your own bed that night!
  • Point Defiance Park in Tacoma is always a great choice during the summer! This 5 mile stretch has incredible views, wonderful restaurant/shopping options, and, of course, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium! It truly has something for everyone of all ages!

These are just some ideas to keep the good times rolling this summer. What are some of your bucket list ideas?

The street will never sound the same

Turn the sound up for this video so you can hear how the street will never sound the same after the 2023 Corvette Z06 hits the road near you.

Two years ago this week, Chevrolet introduced a revolutionary twist in the Corvette story: the first-ever mid-engine Corvette Stingray. This fall, the story will continue with the reveal of the all-new 2023 Corvette Z06, the supercar that will put the world on notice.

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Logo

 

This article from Chevrolet’s New Roads magazine is full of expert tips to take care of your Chevy this summer!

 

Car washing isn’t a simple sponge-and-bucket affair anymore. Master detailer Todd Cooperider, founder of ESOTERIC – Fine Auto Finishing in Columbus, Ohio, has shared with us which cleaning products, techniques, and tools to use to give your Camaro a better-than-showroom shine. Cooperider details hypercars for a living, but he’s also one of the club, having recently been the proud owner of a C7 Corvette ZR1.

According to Cooperider, the hottest thing in detailing today is ceramic coatings, which replace traditional wax and can last for years on your car’s surface instead of months. This hard-wearing hydrophobic coating serves as a protective layer and can also give your car’s paint renewed luster.

Many car owners today also opt for paint protection film (PPF). PPF requires professionals, such as Cooperider, to install, and should protect your paint from rock chips. Often called the “sacrificial layer,” PPF installations usually last for four or five years.


Polishing your paint, once a job for the pros alone, has become more accessible to the DIY detailer. Cooperider says a good polish comes down to two things: the right tools and the right technique. Look for a car polishing kit that comes with an orbital polisher, a selection of polishing pads in various sizes, and a good polishing compound. As for technique, watching instructional videos is important to learn about factors such as pad flatness, arm speed, pressure, and overlapping your passes.

This sounds almost too simple, but Cooperider says the most important tool on a detailer’s belt is a small LED flashlight. What your car’s paint looks like in the sun does not represent its actual condition; you’ll see a whole other car under an LED light. Before any detailing, pull your car into the garage and use a light to inspect for swirls, cracks, and other flaws. Also, hit the car with the light after detailing to check your work and eliminate smears and streaking.

Finally, let’s go over the basics of car washing. It might go without saying, but Cooperider reminds us that all detailing, including washing, should be done in the shade, not direct sunlight. That’s because direct sunlight can distort your view of paint, and the higher temps can cause many car cleaning products to be less effective.

When doing a basic wash, use the two-bucket method: one bucket for soaping your applicator and one for rinsing it. And last, never dry your car with a bath towel. Use a high-quality microfiber towel and apply it with as little pressure as possible. Or get a vehicle dryer like the pros. Yes, you could use a leaf blower in a pinch, but a vehicle dryer filters out debris from the intake and warms the air, which dries the car more quickly.

If you decide to detail your own car this year, these tips should make the process easier and the outcome beautiful. Remember, clean cars are more fun to drive, too.

If you want to get the most out of the rest of your summer, take advantage of Chevrolet’s excellent deals!

Very well-qualified buyers will have NO PAYMENTS the rest of summer AND 0% APR for 72 months! Some buyers will qualify for NO MONTHLY payments for the rest of summer AND 2.49% APR for 72 months!

This means you can get to Chevrolet of Burien, test drive all the vehicles until you find a qualifying vehicle that you love…and focus on having a great time the rest of the summer with your new vehicle. You can see our inventory online and it includes

  • 2021 Chevrolet Blazer Premier
  • 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

Stop by today and find out if you qualify for this limited-time offer!

Chevrolet confirms the future expansion of the brand’s popular ZR2 trim to the Silverado. Chevrolet will share more information about the future addition to the Silverado lineup this fall.

Chevrolet today confirmed the future expansion of the brand’s popular ZR2 trim to the Silverado. The ZR2 trim relaunched on the Colorado mid-size pickup in 2017, and since then, ZR2 has signified high-performance capability in a wide variety of drive settings – both on- and off-road.

Stay tuned to learn more about the future addition to the Silverado lineup this fall.

It sure feels like we have a lot to celebrate after a year of Covid-19 caused shut downs, cancellations, illness, and more. The Fourth of July seems like the perfect holiday to blow off some steam and we hope you all have a safe a happy holiday!

Here are some tips to keep you, your family, and your surroundings safe, especially considering the heatwave we’ve had/are having here in the PNW (whatever happened to summer not starting until July 5?):

  • Consider doing small fireworks like smoke bombs at home and viewing big fireworks at professionally produced community shows
  • Make sure there are no trees, buildings, or dry brush near where you are setting them off to prevent fires.
  • Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby
  • Do not throw fire crackers at cars, people, etc
  • Do not try to relight a “dud” firework
  • Wear eye protection if you are lighting off fireworks
What are some of your tips for a great 4th of July? Where will you be watching fireworks?
  • First Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Award of Excellence star is placed in the state of Texas
  • General Motors’ Arlington Assembly Plant built its 12 millionth vehicle – a Suburban – earlier this month

Leaders from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the General Motors Arlington Assembly Plant and the city of Arlington, Texas, celebrate as the Award of Excellence star earned by the Chevrolet Suburban is permanently placed into a city sidewalk on June 21, 2021. It is the first such award to reside permanently in Texas, a location chosen because it is where the Suburban is assembled. (Photo by Mike Stone for Chevrolet)

The Chevrolet Suburban brought a piece of its movie fame back to its hometown in Texas, where the Suburban is assembled*. In 2019, the Suburban became the first vehicle to earn an Award of Excellence star from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for its iconic role in film and television.

Today, Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Rana Ghadban and General Motors Arlington Assembly Plant Executive Director Bill Kulhanek unveiled the star’s new permanent location in Arlington’s Entertainment District, between the ballpark and football stadium. Chevrolet chose the location to celebrate the Suburban’s footprint in the city and its enduring popularity with Texas customers.


“The Suburban is truly a staple in both Texas and Hollywood, and the city of Arlington is honored to play a role in recognizing the Suburban today and every day at the GM Arlington Assembly Plant[SB1] ,” Williams said. “We’re also proud to proclaim today, June 21, ‘Suburban Day’ to recognize the Suburban’s continuing legacy in Texas, Hollywood and around the world.”

The Award of Excellence star recognizes the Suburban’s robust acting career, appearing in more than 1,750 film and TV series. The Suburban is Hollywood’s longest working actor and an icon on the Hollywood scene. The Suburban is a one-of-a-kind character actor with its own persona. Its career in Hollywood began in 1952, when it first appeared on the silver screen.

“There is no other character actor like the Chevy Suburban. It can fit into any type of role with ease. When it arrives in a movie or TV series, it can instantly bring a feeling of significance, suspense or knowing the day is about to be saved,” said Ghadban. “This marks the first Award of Excellence star outside of California. We are excited to permanently place the Suburban’s Award of Excellence star in its home state of Texas.”

Arlington Assembly builds 12 millionth vehicle, a Suburban

The Arlington Assembly Plant has produced over 12 million vehicles since production began. Today, it produces the segment-leading Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban for 33 countries around the world. The 5,677 employees who assemble these vehicles make the vehicle’s Hollywood career possible.

“We are so proud to build the Chevrolet Suburban in Texas, where it is beloved by many, both on and off the screen,” Kulhanek said. “The capability, cargo space and technology make the Suburban a customer favorite that has stood the test of time.”

Chevrolet Suburban fast facts on its history on and off the screen:

  • Suburban has appeared in at least one television series every year since 1956, and at least one film every year since 1960.
  • Suburban has also appeared in over 30 award-nominated films.
  • Suburban is the first vehicle ever awarded an Award of Excellence star by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which was presented on Dec. 5, 2019.
  • Suburban was first introduced in 1935 and is the longest-running nameplate in automotive history, and continues to be an American icon both on the road and on the big screen.
  • Suburban started its production in Arlington in 1999.
  • Approximately 1,200 vehicles are produced daily at Arlington Assembly.
  • As of last year, there are nearly 200,000 Suburbans on the road in Texas and a Suburban is sold approximately every 2 hours in Texas.
  • Additionally, Texas Chevrolet dealers accounted for four of the top 10 Chevrolet Suburban dealers in the U.S. in 2020.
  • In 2020, Texans bought more Suburbans than 22 other states, combined.

As the Chevrolet Suburban continues its Hollywood legacy, fans can celebrate its heritage when visiting Arlington’s Entertainment District. The space is free and open to the public.

For more information on the Suburban, please visit Chevrolet.com/Suburban, and to learn more about GM in Texas, see the 2020 GM Texas State Impact Report.

*Of globally sourced parts.

Electric vehicles aren’t a novelty anymore, but they are still new enough that people have some wrong ideas about EVs of all makes and models, including Chevy’s Bolt EV. Chevrolet’s New Roads magazine tackled some of these myths in an online article.

EV Myth Busting

All over America, more people are learning just how easy electric vehicles are to use and integrate into their daily lives. For everything from around-town errands to road trips, EVs are proving themselves capable and cost-effective. In early 2021, Chevrolet introduced the updated 2022 Bolt EV and the larger 2022 Bolt EUV. General Motors has also announced an investment of $27 billion in EV and AV products through 2025, along with the launch of 30 new EVs globally by the end of 2025. With all of this change happening so fast, myths and misinformation about EV technology persist. Let’s collect some facts to set the record straight.

 

Myth: There’s nowhere to charge.
Fact: “You can easily charge at home. When you’re not home there are 90,000 compatible public charging outlets in the U.S. and Canada, and GM is working with EVgo, the largest public fast-charging network in the nation, to install even more public chargers across America over the next five years.”

Myth: Charging an EV takes too long.
Fact: “On a Level 2, 240-volt charger, your Bolt EUV can grab up to 25 miles of range per hour while you sleep, binge your favorite show, or play with your kids.”

Myth: EVs don’t offer enough range.
Fact: “The vast majority of daily trips can easily be handled by an electric vehicle like the 2021 or 2022 Bolt EV, which have an EPA estimated range of 259 miles on a full charge.”

Myth: EVs can’t be used for road trips.
Fact: “There are any number of websites that can help new owners of electric vehicles plan their trip, and the myChevrolet mobile app has an Energy Assist feature that helps drivers with route planning.”

Myth: EVs don’t work well in cold weather.
Fact: “…whether cars are powered by gasoline or electricity, all vehicles are less efficient in the cold. The critical caveat is that much of the extra energy an EV needs in winter is used to heat the cabin. If you preheat the cabin before leaving, while the vehicle is still plugged into the charger, you can help extend the vehicles range for that trip.”

To celebrate Corvette C8.R IMSA GTLM 2020 season dominance, Corvette Stingray enters model year 2022 with special edition, plus new exterior color and spoiler options

Chevrolet reveals the 2022 Corvette Stingray IMSA GTLM Championship Edition alongside Corvette Racing, Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at the Raceway at Belle Isle Park, site of this weekend’s Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix in Detroit, Michigan. Closed course. Preproduction model shown. Actual production model may vary. Available late summer 2021. (Photo by Richard Prince for Chevrolet)

Chevrolet took over the Raceway at Belle Isle Park today to celebrate Corvette Racing’s dominant 2020 season by introducing the 2022 Corvette Stingray IMSA GTLM Championship Edition.

In left-hand drive markets, Chevrolet will release just 1,000 of these distinctively styled Corvettes, which resemble the No. 3 and No. 4 Corvette C8.R race cars. These special edition supercars were designed to commemorate the mid-engine Corvette C8.R’s inaugural season. In 2020, Corvette Racing swept IMSA’s sports car championship series, taking the Manufacturers, Drivers and Team titles.

Corvette Racing’s Jordan Taylor and Antonio Garcia drove coupe and convertible No. 3 Corvette Stingray IMSA GTLM Championship Editions across Belle Isle’s MacArthur Bridge and onto the track. Teammate Nick Tandy led on track in a Corvette Stingray convertible, the official pace car of the 2021 Detroit Grand Prix. Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner followed the group in the No. 4 Corvette C8.R race car.

“Racing has been part of the Corvette’s DNA from nearly the beginning,” said Laura Klauser, General Motors Sports Car Program manager. “Both the Corvette Stingray and C8.R have seen tremendous success capitalizing on the benefits of a mid-engine platform – and we’re just getting started.”

Corvette Racing shined during IMSA’s 2020 sports car championship series, capturing six victories and seven pole positions, and setting the fastest class race laps in six events. During the 2020 series, Chevrolet won the GT Manufacturers title – its 13th since 2001. Taylor, Garcia and the No. 3 Corvette C8.R crew won the GTLM Drivers and Team championships.

The C8.R races on home turf in Detroit for the first time Saturday, June 12. The Chevrolet Sports Car Classic will air live at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

IMSA GTLM Championship Edition
The 2022 Corvette Stingray IMSA GTLM Championship Edition is based on the 3LT trim with Z51 Performance Package. Each car includes Corvette Racing-themed graphics packages. Accelerate Yellow No. 3 editions feature gray graphics and Hypersonic Gray No. 4 editions feature yellow accents.

Additional exterior content (varies by market):

  • High-wing spoiler in Carbon Flash
  • Yellow brake calipers
  • Black Trident design wheels, with the “Jake” logo on the center caps, and black lug nuts
  • Exterior mirrors in Carbon Flash
  • Black side rockers
  • Splash guards

Inside, the Special Edition features a Strike Yellow and Sky Cool Gray cabin that mimics the exterior yellow and gray racing theme, with standard GT2 seats (Competition Sport seats are available), along with yellow seat belts and a C8.R Special Edition numbered plaque.

Each car comes with a custom-fitted indoor car cover rendered to the appearance of the No. 3 or No. 4 Corvette C8.R race car, per each Special Edition’s color and graphic scheme.

The IMSA GTLM Championship Edition package starts at $6,595. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes tax.

Corvette for 2022
In addition to the all-new IMSA GTLM Championship Edition, the 2022 Corvette Stingray lineup features three new exterior colors: Hypersonic Gray, Caffeine and Amplify Orange Tintcoat1. A new low-profile rear spoiler and the Z51 design front splitter will be offered on non-Z51 models.

Corvette Stingray’s LT2 6.2L V-8 engine enters 2022 with an upgraded direct injection fuel system, improved engine calibration and an enhanced Active Fuel Management range. It remains rated at 490 horsepower or 495 horsepower, with the available performance exhaust system. Driving through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, a Z51-equipped model is capable of 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds2.

The mid-engine Corvette Stingray is offered in coupe and convertible models in 1LT, 2LT and 3LT trims, with the Z51 Performance Package available on all trims. Magnetic Ride Control is available with or without the Z51 Performance Package. Coupes include a removable roof panel that stores in the rear trunk, and convertibles include a power-retractable hardtop.

Dual cargo compartments offer a total of 12.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, with a trunk large enough for two sets of golf clubs.

The 2022 Corvette Stingray visualizer is now live on Chevrolet.com. Dealers will begin taking orders July 1, starting at $62,195, including destination freight charge, for coupe models and $69,695, including DFC, for the convertible. The MSRP excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Bowling Green Assembly will begin model year 2022 production in late third quarter.

On the official Chevrolet Facebook page, Chevrolet kicked of June Pride Month by asking the question “What is family to us?” And answering, “It is everything. We’re proud to introduce some of our employees and their loved ones as we celebrate Chevy families during Pride 2021.”

With the post, Chevrolet posted family photos of some of it’s employee families consisting of same-sex couples. Notably, the comments on the post were turned off.

Chevrolet is a family-focused company and it is great to see Chevy highlighting families who make look a little different, but who are obviously everything to each other. Partners. Spouses. Parents. Siblings. Children. Family is everything no matter what it looks like.