GMC Granite Concept at 2010 Detroit Auto Show

• Looks like: A traditional GMC grille floating in a design student’s final exam
• Defining characteristics: Flat-nosed grille, flip-up front and rear passenger seats, 20-inch wheels and a notable absence of chrome for a GMC
• Ridiculous features: None, really; a majority of these features have potential in the real world
• Chance of being mass-produced: Possible, but what's tough about a GMC micro-van?

Measuring in 2 feet shorter in length than a 2010 GMC Terrain, the Granite concept is based on the Chevrolet Orlando and would be GMC’s smallest crossover if greenlighted for production.

You won’t find traditional GMC off-road ruggedness or boat-pulling towing capacity in this concept. GMC is aiming its sights in a new direction with the Granite, calling it an “urban utility vehicle” for active people that need a small package with a flexible interior.

Features aimed to exploit the Granite’s urban-ticity include a unique seating configuration: The front and rear passenger seats flip inward toward the center console to create a long, unobstructed storage space. There are also large storage spaces that GMC says can fit a laptop, plus a center console running between the front and rear seats with ports for portable electronic devices.

On the inside, GMC goes for a mechanical motif that takes its inspiration from aircraft-type mechanical instruments and precision tools, according to the automaker. The gear selector doesn’t have a traditional lever — instead it's a rotating dial.

Powering the Granite concept is a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. We just wonder if a high-efficiency engine in a vehicle that can haul four people and not much else is something any GMC buyer would consider.

Comments

looks ok, grille looks stupid on such a small car and wont look good for GMC being a small car in a truck/suv branch

The comparison that comes to mind is Jeep's entry into the front drive market with the Patriot / Compass twins. I doubt traditional GMC buyers will flock to the Granite. Yet it should attract more buyers to the brand who want something with a more rugged look than Kia Rondo or whatever this vehicle will compete against.

I would say that this car has 0 chance of being in the real world - in its current form. Notice that I stated, "car."

JB has hit it right in the nail on how lost Gov't Motors is now in - a CAR in GMC?

For starter, competition will be like, Honda Element, Scion Xb, Nissan Cube, Kia Soul, and the already loss Dodge Caliber. (Not really the Patriot/Compass/Rondo territories.) They have 1 thg in common (pretty much) - price. None of these vehicles have such an upscale interior (which is nice for GM)...what does that mean? This vehicle will most likely be costly...not good for this price range of vehicle. The engine size/output itself is another good indication that this is a "small/cheap category" vehicle, so really, not at its current form to see production!

Now, to judge the success of this vehicle, one must look at its production form to have a say.

I love the styling, actually. I'm a big GMC fan (we have a GMC Yukon XL, and love it!), and I have to say, for what it is, this little guy looks awesome.

Where I live, (not far from Tahoe/Sierra Nevadas) I tend to prefer an AWD or 4x4 option. This one is clearly urban, though, and fits the bill for what it does. If they did an electric (think Chevy Volt) version of this vehicle, it actually my do quite well in California.

I know the "Toyota-driving" tea-party- republicans" will probably hating while waving a flag..but I think its hot. I'm 30 and this appeals to me...I quit listening to the toyota walmart people long ago..
hot!

The whole issue on Obama bailing out GM and Chrysler has led to people injecting politics into the automotive sphere, jeez, can't think of anything so stupid, people don't base their politics when they buy cars! They care more often about the price, its features, and other issues that matter when you're about to make the second biggest investment in your life! God forbid politics enters the situation and all of a sudden import drivers are now supposed to be conservatives and domestic buyers (except Ford) are now liberal democrats. Sheesh!