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GMC Granite Concept: Scion xB-Sized Crossover Breaks Cover in Detroit

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The annual auto show that kicked off in Detroit today saw the world debut of the GMC Granite Concept, a small crossover proposal with swing-out back doors aimed at a new generation of young buyers who would never give the brand's larger SUV's a second look.

Measuring 161.3-inch (4,097 mm) in length, 70.3-inch (1,786 mm) in width and 60.5-inch (1,536 mm) height with a wheelbase of 103.6-inch (2,631 mm), the Granite is roughly the same size as the Toyota group's 'boxy' Scion xB.

Even though GM did not say what front-wheel drive platform was used for the concept, the wheelbase length suggests it's based on the Chevy Cruze.

Power for the Granite concept comes from GM's 1.4-liter turbocharged four-pot that's linked to a six-speed transmission.

The boxy-shaped GMC concept gets four doors, the rear hinged at the back. There's no pillar between the front and rear doors, supposedly making the Granite easier to enter, exit and load.

The design of the vehicle's cabin is said to have been inspired by the design of aircraft-type mechanical instruments and precision tools.

Highlights include the reconfigurable interior as the front passenger and right rear seats can flip up and fold in toward the center console, creating a long, unobstructed storage space while the Granit's cargo area features numerous compartments to store items.

GM declined to say whether it is planning to introduce a production version of the Granite.





23 Comments:

Matt J said... »January 11, 2010

Love it! Tire tread actually work?

Anonymous said... »January 11, 2010

The best GMC ever !

Anonymous said... »January 11, 2010

> Even though GM did not say what front-wheel drive platform was used for the concept

Maybe based on the Opel Meriva...

Anonymous said... »January 11, 2010

it's much better than a Scion!!!

Anonymous said... »January 11, 2010

It's a concept, which means GM will produce something entirely different.

Sergio said... »January 11, 2010

"It's a concept, which means GM will produce something entirely different."

and it will be ready to sell by 2025 and by then it won't look good...

Anonymous said... »January 11, 2010

A next gen HHR with gaudy,prepubescent styling to make it seem macho enough for a GMC badge...this is news how?

Anonymous said... »January 11, 2010

dammit! if gm came out with this last summer i wouldn't have bought my xb! gm! why did you have to be so slow to come out with something like this???

Anonymous said... »January 11, 2010

I don't even know why they do things. You know who I really feel bad for? The automotive designers who put time and effort just for some money hungry CEO to cut cost therefore cutting the design.

Carguy 123

Anonymous said... »January 11, 2010

I like it, even if it is FWD.

Anonymous said... »January 11, 2010

better than the hhr thats been out a very global looking car NICE

Anonymous said... »January 11, 2010

what isnt better than the HHR?
that's a low bar

and although sergio exagerates to make a point, he's right. US GM keeps on playing catch up, is slow to catch up, and when it does the idea, the product or the design is outdated.

--JORGE

Anonymous said... »January 11, 2010

Wasn't that name used on a previous GMC concept like last year?

-JORGE

Anonymous said... »January 11, 2010

smart move. gmc needs to bring it's CAFE way down. so it appeals to the kids?! that is a good thing. the more gm sells, the better the corporate average mpg required by the government. younger buyers may very well become return buyers. something that typically only happens with honda, toyota, nissan and (yes) saturn. for gm to succeed, it most take risks. this is one that i think will pay off.

Anonymous said... »January 12, 2010

Some really innovative design on the interior. Too expensive to implement for a production version, but the overall concept has merit and should be given serious consideration by GMC.

3Deuce27

Anonymous said... »January 12, 2010

perhaps the best in show! certainly, the most interesting design by the general in decades.

RobinP said... »January 12, 2010

Nice exterior design!
- busy but well built interior -

Anonymous said... »January 12, 2010

GM please make it to production

Anonymous said... »January 13, 2010

i never that a box could look this good1

Duffs10 said... »January 18, 2010

Far better than the usual design work coming out of (American) GM. Very tidy with nice detailing giving the impression of solidity. Interior is somewhat fussy but that's to be expected in a concept vehicle.

I've found many American cars through the years to be somewhat crude and vulgar so it's refreshing to see GMC finally focussing on B-class cars (~4m in length) instead of the behemoths they are known for. I know that there are tonnes of talented American designers out there so why hasn't this hasn't happened much sooner?

Fingers crossed the clean exterior design doesn't end up neutered/euthanised if it goes to market. And that the build quality/materials don't end up being of the historic GMC Fisher Price variety.

Anonymous said... »January 31, 2010

Just like the Meriva, the design will totally change!! They will throw in a B pillar, which then makes the suicide rear doors pointless. Great design if they stick to it. We will see.........

Anonymous said... »February 04, 2010

Killed Pontiac,Olds. ALL their stuff is 2-3 years late. NEVER just right. Bought over 30 new GM's myself. Bought first KIA 1 year ago. I'd take the Soul over this with confidence. GM should rule by now,but they're too dumb,unorganized & cheap!

Marble Slab said... »May 18, 2010

I think the best GMC ever i seen...:)

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