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VIDEO: 2010 GMC Granite Concept 
The 2010 GMC Granite Concept pushes the perception of GMC in the marketplace. Learn about features such as the unique flip-and-fold seat concept and how the Granite demonstrates what the GMC brand could become. Check out more pictures from the Granite’s unveiling at the North American International Auto Show here.
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to this comment On January 11, 2010 at 12:00 pm Mike Erickson said:
I was an “employee journalist” a few months back and was able to tour the Design Center here in Warren. The GMC vehicle that was similar to this concept was my favorite vehicle on the entire tour.
Design ideas like this continue to get my adrenaline flowing and continue to make me excited and proud to be a GM employee.
We need to continue to push the boundaries of our remaining brands, while continuing to make huge progress on our quality.
I tend to disagree with the simple statement “build it and they will come.”
Instead, it should be: “Design with Imagination, Build with Quality, and they will come.”
Great job in this concept!
to this comment On January 11, 2010 at 12:19 pm IrvinTSmith said:
I really like this concept, especially the moveable seats. I’m concerned, though, about how it fits with GMC. Would Chevrolet be a better brand fit?
to this comment On January 11, 2010 at 12:57 pm Dave said:
I really like this concept! I’m a GM employee at the Milford Proving Grounds, so my opinions may be a bit biased, but I really like the styling for this small vehicle. The exterior really looks great. The seats seem way to ‘out there’ for my tastes, but the idea for being able to flip up the front passenger seat is really creative and if we could pull that off I think it’d really set us apart.
I never saw myself as someone who’d be in the target market for a GMC. I prefer smaller cars that are sporty and fun to drive as opposed to trucks, but if the Granite were produced I’d definitely give it a close look; espeically if it had a manual transmission.
I like the idea of small premium, though I think we’d have to be careful on the costs, as I imagine the target market would be a bit younger (single or small family type people). At some point, people will be concerned about safety if cars appear too small (more likely a bit older, family-oriented audience)
to this comment On January 11, 2010 at 1:02 pm ptrkptz said:
It looks like an interesting concept. My issue is that I am 6′5″ tall and have a hard time getting in and out of cars… this appears to be another cross-over, moving closer to a car. I guess what I am asking here are what are the dimensions, ground clearance ideas on something like this.
to this comment On January 11, 2010 at 1:08 pm Mark Wisnewski said:
I do appreciate the New GM’s willingness to share information, email, twitter, this Lab…thank you…and please do not stop.
Let me preface these comments by being a bit open, I am a 47 years old, not 25 or 35, that being said…
1. You may want to add some neon style lighting and/or light piping to the interior and exterior in a creative way, allow the color to be simply changed by the customer, keep ’simply’ in mind
2. In the video, the IP appeared that some of its display components had a ring(s) which could be rotated, this ring did not appear to change anything when rotated, what about preset (different style/color) displays within the IP when the ring is rotated, giving the customer pre-defined IP display? This may also be configurable by the owner (simply, drag and drop internet based configuration)
3. I am 6’2” tall and would like for the interior to accommodate a person at least 6’5”, both seat height and leg length
4. I love the adjustable seat design, although the passenger seat when folded to accommodate the bike should fold up tighter or differently, so that the driver does not hit their right elbow when shifting
5. There is nothing more uncomfortable then the new Traverse rear seats, they are too thin and firm, the worst thing is the contour of the lower back support, there is none, it is a hole. The seats within this design look very similar, no lower back support. These seats provide a simple and sporty look, consider providing inserts for lower back support. This is not an old man’s issue, my teenage and 20 something children have complained about the lack of lumbar suport in the Traverse as well.
I agree with Mike, great look, both inside and outside.
It may help to show a person outside and inside the vehicle, for perspective, I have a problem understanding just how small this vehicle is.
One last comment, if this great concept does go forward, please do not tweak the body and/or door handles and rebadged this vehicle. Please put pressure on GM management to stop rebadging everything, rebadging is so “old GM”.
Thank you again.
to this comment On January 11, 2010 at 1:08 pm David C. said:
Great job! Although why a 4 seat instead of 5? I would love to actually see GM produce the vehicle as is but we all all know that is not going to happen
. Excellent work though, looks good inside and out, i think the interior would’ve looked better in other colors. Much better looking than Kia Soul, the Nissan Cube or Scion xB! GM is definitely heading in the right direction here, now just keep up that momentum. Kudos to the team designers, every one of you.
to this comment On January 11, 2010 at 1:44 pm Hylton Jorssen said:
The design of this vehicle is quite promising. I also question the 4 seat configuration as you are limiting your customer base.
I do not think that the public will have a problem with GMC coming out with smaller fuel conserving vehicles as this may actually show that the brand is responding to the need for efficient and versatile vehicles.
Fuel conservation, quality and pricing will still be paramount.
to this comment On January 11, 2010 at 4:19 pm Carl said:
Would love to see this car made. Keep the premium.
to this comment On January 11, 2010 at 7:16 pm Haven said:
i think it’s an excellent step foward for GM… if you want my opinion, losing a few pounds sounds good and i think it’ll be brilliant if this compact gets done but certainly under a few circumstances… ex: 1. the car must keep its concept look without affecting the mechanics involved… in other words, economic materials are not an option 2. the options must be realistic ex: the front folding chairs? why not make them sing??!! (pointless although very creative and inspiring) but more useful as an option… 3. GM vehicles tend to use weak material for the interiors and, (Very Important), LACK STIFFNESS!!!! and honestly, this is one of the main issues when compared with eurpean cars… 4. a hybrid is not an option because it’ll never sell in europe and specially in the middle-east. so it’s another pointless, or at least for the time being… moreover, a range of 4 cylinders and small 6 cylinder engines will no doubt be a huge and definit success… 5. change the name from granite, to ES20 for example, just to give a ring to it… that’s about all i could say… peace…
to this comment On February 11, 2010 at 11:58 pm Ben said:
I agree with a lot of the comments here, especially about not cheapening up the interior. There is nothing wrong with making a premium product and selling it for a premium price. Chevy is the value brand. Oh and don’t change the name. Someone on here said to change the name to something with random letters and numbers. I hate that crap. Make a meaningful name!
to this comment On January 11, 2010 at 9:11 pm aldave said:
One question. WHY? Now I know where GM wasted their government loans and spent their savings from their employee contract concessions, quite a dissappointment. Is the best they can do in their state of the art design studios? Pontiac Aztec anyone?
to this comment On January 30, 2010 at 5:33 pm John B said:
I work for a GM dealer and wanted to respond to this comment. I’ve been as unhappy as the next person on the gov’t intervention into GM and hope the new CEO lives by his word and pays off the loans asap. Having said that our primary criticism at the dealer level has been on design at a competitive level. Feedback on quality has been very good, including what’s coming through service. But we’re tired of seeing the best designs on our competitors models.
We applaud your effort in the design direction you’ve taken with the Granite. Our criticism – when are you going to ship it!!!!
By the way, kudos on the Terrain. Our customer base gets it and we’re bringing in a new customer who demands quality with innovative styling.
Are you getting the message? I think so.
One last point, you’ve got the attention of my 22 year old daughter, good job. That’s not an easy thing to do.
to this comment On January 11, 2010 at 9:54 pmJimmy Learn said:
This is a vehicle that I can see myself using in so many ways. It represents many factors of a vehicle that I see are important for my lifestyle and other young adult drivers like myself. It is fun and sporty and looks like a night club on wheels, but at the same time offers storage and versatility in a youthful premium package. I would definitely buy this car if it was priced right, however I would really like for it to maintain the “young professional” image that it conveys. I am a Lifeguard Instructor for the American Red Cross and this is the kind of car that I need for the storage and capability it has to haul so much stuff; especially things I need for the classes that I teach. I REALLY LIKE THIS CAR AND IT WILL SERVE A GREAT PURPOSE TO ME AND MANY OTHER “YOUNG PROFESSIONALS” LIKE MYSELF.
The only true fault that I see is with the interior, i really like it however I don;t see GM putting in the funding for something that radical, however a slightly less expensive interior, one similar to the Camaro would work amazing.
to this comment On February 7, 2010 at 8:18 pm Brian said:
NO!!!! Don’t even suggest cheapening up the interior like in the way to far cheapened Camaro.
I like the effort put into higher quality and (Yes it does Cost More but so what) material and fit and finish.
All new GM car interiors must be upscale and highend – its a must to be competitive.
to this comment On January 11, 2010 at 11:20 pmMike Johnson said:
Nice GMC. I live in NY so folding mirrors and AWD (think Subaru Forester not Scion) is a must. I know this is a concept but the cup holder is useless and don’t care for the gear shifter. Oh yeah this maybe a fantasy bit how about a TFT Instrument Cluster.
to this comment On January 12, 2010 at 7:46 am Unni said:
Looks more like cross between Suzuki Wagon R and a bull dog. Nice design !!.
One major stuff is as this design targets more urban crowd, city milage may be the one to concentrate so a low cost hybrid power train may be very important ( most hybrids have 3-4 miles in mpg more than its high way mpg ). Please note i am not talking on mild hybrids as mild hybrids proved to be failure. Should be an HSD competitor technology.
As its a boxy design, doesn’t mean it cant be aerodynamic, it can take more design clues or design philosophy/principles of Mercedes-Benz Bionic Concept Vehicle which is boxy but still have a drag coefficient of 0.19 ( as you a ” a little bit of volt in every car ” ) . This means free improvement in fuel economy. May be its a nice idea to give emphasize on this also in next design iteration with publishing the expected Cd etc.
May be a couple more design iterations required before going to production specially the grill below lights wont offer free air resistance etc. second is bit curvy the front grill ( like a bull dog nose , its not a straight cut ) etc.
to this comment On January 12, 2010 at 8:10 am Unni said:
More urban crowd ideas :May be its a nice idea to have run with the new gadget world so that it can run one of the new generation OS at center console ( like Android – as its open source ) and port all the GM applications ( onstar, mpg /other green/health displays ,engine analysis , XM radio, Navigation ,help , in car communications , phone /portable devices communication, bluetooth/ZigBee, USB connection etc etc ) as Android applications so that the user can have a real connected car and have applications downloaded from a GMC app store.The good part is software upgrades can make new features getting added and new applications can come from app store.
Even Car SDK publishing may be nice as people can develop applications and GM can certify and distribute the applications (opportunity for more people )
to this comment On January 13, 2010 at 6:49 pm Peggy Jones said:
I’m a GM engineer with a kayak. What about ground clearance and roof height? I want to be able to take this down a reasonable 2-track sandy road to a kayak launch without getting stuck, and be able to lift my kayak onto the roof rack after a good long paddle. How would a driver reach the cup holder over the giant gear shift? (My blood donor card lists my blood type as caffeinated so that’s a key feature for me….) The gauges and gigantic knobs jutting out of the instrument panel and on the ends of the levers are ridiculous, and make the controls buttons look even smaller and more difficult to use than usual. What accomodations are being made for secure storage of a laptop when I stop for groceries on the way home from work? What are we doing to make the interior easy to clean? I want to be able to spill coffee, haul mulch, and have bicycle chain grease on the seat backs be “no problem”, and I don’t want to have to go after nooks and crannies with a toothbrush or a Q-tip when doing the spring cleaning of the car. Finally–PLEASE have a real manual tranny option. I love shifting.
to this comment On January 15, 2010 at 9:42 am MikesZ said:
IMHO this concept might be better suited for the Chevy brand. A GMC version of the Chevy Orlando concept could possibly slot in under the Terrain…with a more conventional interior and AWD. But GM might be risking alienating GMC devotees with such as small vehicle. Either way, a micro utility vehicle could be very useful…I think my wife would love one of these.
to this comment On January 15, 2010 at 11:06 am Brian said:
Nice design, but we already have plenty of options for small crossover utilites.
There is a void in the market for small domestic pickups. Bring back the Sonoma/S-10 first!
The 2010 GMC Canyon [4cyl auto] only gets 18/25mpg… my old S-10 was getting better than those numbers in 1991. (fueleconomy.gov)
to this comment On January 15, 2010 at 3:58 pm fisherporter said:
Really think this is great not only for urban areas – those of us in the suburbs could find it useful as well. I can see easily loading some smaller antique pieces in it. LOVE that door design. Actually love the entire look. Only suggestion would be to revise the back so that the opening is as low as for the side doors. Much easier to load some heay items and reposition when necessary.
to this comment On January 30, 2010 at 12:34 am TerryB. said:
Its another box. I’m sort of underwhelmed. How does this fit in with GMC’s legacy of ‘Professional Grade Trucks’? Make it a Chevy if you want another toy for the urban set, give it a turbo-4 and upscale interior for the Buick label.
Front and rear treatments seem a little fragile for the shopping center grand prix. The dash/controls look busy and not all that utilitarian. Made me think of the front panel on an LG wash machine. Lots of lights, buttons, and knobs.
The barn-door sides are good. Would be nice if they could make it into production. Reminds me of the old Dodge funeral cars with a coffin platform down the right side and only a driver’s and back seats. Of course those things were big enough to land a small aircraft on the hood and hanger it inside. With the FWD platform, why not seats that are easy to pull out rather than lose space to the side-tip? Combine that with a big rear door, or another set of barn doors, and large flat floor, and you have a passenger hauler – cargo van combo. No hamsters required.
to this comment On January 30, 2010 at 1:39 pm lorenzo said:
this is what americans need now, not a big, bulky car but a small er car that is more utile of its space
the Granite is that perfect car for every day people.
to this comment On February 5, 2010 at 9:37 am kts350 said:
Love the look and the functuality, hopefully GMC put this into production and Holden down here in OZ decide to sell it here.. Something like this would be perfect for me, good drive to work and enough room to put my camping gear in when I go bush..
to this comment On February 9, 2010 at 12:56 pm torch said:
WOW I really love this car. I would buy one right now. I am an avid outdoor sportsman and the functionality of the granite is superb. and i really hope GMC decides to put this in full production.but if it goes limited i want to be on the list.
to this comment On February 11, 2010 at 2:11 pm Larry Kimura said:
I have a Silverado Z71 that is only used for recreational purposes. It’s off road capabilities allows me to camp in places away from the crowds. The Z71 works well giving me plenty of room and probably more off road capability than I really need, or dare use. However, it is a gas hog and it’s size makes it difficult to maneuver on tight off road trails. Since the Granite appears to be designed to support recreational activities, do you think it would be possible to design some off road capabilities? I know it is not a rugged body-on-frame like my Z71, but I think an limited off-road version of the Granite with additional ground clearance, skid plates and true 4WD with at least one locking axle (like the G-80 currently used on GM trucks) would be useful in increasing the numbers of potential users and enhancing it’s image.
to this comment On March 10, 2010 at 12:32 pm steveodds said:
Looks nice. However I prefer smaller cars.