Currently reading: Detroit motor show: GMC Granite

Striking seven-seat compact crossover is based on the upcoming Chevrolet Orlando

GMC’s striking Chevrolet Orlando-based Granite concept will be launched later today at the Detroit motor show.

If it makes production, the Granite will be the smallest GMC ever. The General Motors brand is usually known for producing large trucks, pick-ups and off-roaders.

GMC Granite pics

GM wants to bring GMC vehicles to a new, younger audience, and the Granite is being pitched as an ‘urban utility vehicle’.

“Granite was conceived as a new type of vehicle from GMC – one that could stretch people’s ideas of what a GMC can be,” said Lisa Hutchinson, product marketing director for GMC. “We call it an urban utility vehicle and our goal was redefining what the GMC name could mean to a new generation of customers looking for both bold design and functionality.”

The Granite is more than 600mm shorter than the current smallest GMC, the Terrain. Its wheelbase is 2631mm and its overall length 4097mm. It’s also 1786mm wide and 1536mm high.

Power comes from a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

One of the most striking design features is its rear-hinged ‘suicide’ rear doors, which boost access for rear passengers. Other show car design features include large, 20-inch wheels, an integrated roof spoiler and a centre-mounted exhaust.

The Granite is another model spun off GM’s new Delta platform, which has already been used to underpin the Chevrolet Cruze and Vauxhall Astra. The Orlando concept, on which the GMC is based, was unveiled at the Paris motor show in 2008 and is tipped to make production later this year.

 


Detroit motor show 2010

 

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marianbjustin 29 January 2013

I loved the design, it looks

I loved the design, it looks like a beast.

TheWizardWeb 12 January 2010

Re: Detroit motor show: GMC Granite

Looks like they copied the concept drawings of the Peugeot 3008 and then forgot why concept drawings often change before fabrication.

jonboy4969 12 January 2010

Re: Detroit motor show: GMC Granite

pass the sick bag