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VIDEO: GMC Granite Designers Answer Your Questions 
After the GMC Granite Concept was revealed at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, the designers of the vehicle took your questions on the vehicle. Learn more about the Granite and head over to thelab.gmblogs.com to share your thoughts.
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to this comment On January 16, 2010 at 6:25 am Daniel Will said:
I LOVE this concept and would buy one right now. The sculpting of the side (behind the titles) is totally original and all the lines resolve beautifully. It’s VERY ELEGANT. Small Premium is what people will want in the future–the aspirational luxury of a larger car in a smaller, more efficient package. This car is highly desirable and I hope GM can build it as close to the concept as possible.
One thing I’d like to see would be rear seats that fold flat as well, giving the back a flat loading/sleeping area.
Speaking of sleeping–even though the car is small, it looks spacious enough for car camping–to sleep in the car. If the front seats are comfortable enough reclined that might work, but some part of the interior that can be totally flat, combined with an air mattress (or enough padding in the upholstery, maybe memory foam) would make the car even more versatile.
BEAUTIFUL WORK! If you build it, they will come!
to this comment On January 16, 2010 at 3:30 pm Unni said:
To be true, if concepts don’t go through iterations and engineering, there is no meaning and its waste of money and time. It has to go through iterations and find way to production. There were way good concepts in past ( ex: 1984 Chevrolet citation IV ) , It was a design to demonstrate aero and what happened to those concepts ?
Concept cars should not just give a visualization a technology or design, it should go through iterations and reach production else its just another waste of money ( example:ev1 series hybrid – but still company has to spend money and time to develop, test the Volt and money and time spend on the ev1 series hybrid went waste )
Volt is a good example how a concept should be : started with concept , went through engineering and design iterations and reaching production. Look how many changes have happened and how much its different from the concept. If the attitude is – yes this is a concept and we did it , no modification/iterations then please don’t wast time and money.
to this comment On January 17, 2010 at 9:23 pm seano said:
I showed this site, and the Granite vids in particular, to a friend of mine, who does graphic design for a living. He likes the overall design, but is a little concerned that at 185 cm he might not be in the 97th percentile for height if he wears a hat! Other comments: Interior design seemed a little strange with the rotational shifter (easy to grip and make emergency shifts?); folding seats seemed cool, but looked very thin (how will they perform in crash ratings, and how comfortable will they be over long drives); headlights and front design looks cool; the side scoops are nice but I’d scale the “depth” back a little. Key advantage in the vehicle seems to be the flipnfold seats – a unique selling proposition for sure! Wheels/rims looked very nice – hopefully that design makes it to the production version, if indeed this vehicle makes it to production. Looking forward to more info on pricing and dimensions. Paying somewhat more for premium in a small car is fine, but only to a degree. I’d hate for this to be like honda/mitsubushi where the base version is 10K less than even a basic nicely appointed vehicle. All in all, this is a great car for GM and in particular for GMC – a bold entry into an increasingly important market.
to this comment On January 19, 2010 at 9:13 pm Chris said:
GMC Granite is AWESOME! Turbocharged small engine is the way to improve our environment nowadays. Europeans have been doing it for a long time now.
How I wish you’d do the same with the GMC Terrain. While I absolutely love the bold exterior styling and interior feel of the GMC Terrain, I was turned off by how the engine just lacks torque and low-end response. Reading how the GMC Granite can produce a better punch at the low-end using only a small 1.4 liter engine simply puts GMC Terrain off the performance radar.
TURBOCHARGE the 2.4Liter/4-cylinder variant and get rid or better yet TURBOCHARGE the 3.0-liter/V-6 also (or better yet turbocharged it also)! When GMC does so, I’ll definitely fall in line again for the GMC Terrain.
to this comment On January 20, 2010 at 1:29 pm fredyc said:
The car itself looks good but can ask about brand’s identity long term. GMC was ‘Professional grade’ trucks. Trucks that is. Seems right and opportune to have a switch towards crossovers now, but truckish (design wise) crossovers like Terrain. Acadia is large so it qualifies as a truck due to its size.
Granite has bold design but it looks like a compact minivan, being a minivan actually. A small crossover for GMC is no-brainer but I imagine a more SUV-like one. A list of small compact crossovers that I could identify GMC with. Ford Kuga is looking nice and has higher ground clearance, older Suzuki Vitara looking fun and practical or the rumored Hummer H4. Personally I imagine a GMC compact crossover somewhere between the ones I listed. Sales would be greater for a Granite type of vehicle but long term the abrupt switch in GMC’s DNA may not work out well. Also Chevy Orlando will be a compact stylish minivan.
A point of view..
to this comment On January 22, 2010 at 3:07 pm Robert Skully said:
Yes like what I see with the GMC Grante … as a Pontiac Vibe owner this looks like it could be it’s replacement and I truly hope that something similar is built. One thing I would like to see is a swivel seat as I am semi handicapped and this would make getting behind the wheel easier … Chevy use to have them in the 70’s.
to this comment On January 25, 2010 at 6:47 am Michael said:
The exterior is certainly a lot nicer than anything I’ve seen shipped from GM previously, although I’d really prefer not to see boxy designs. Boxy = very poor aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. It appears somewhat Scion inspired. I like the side folding seats, although I wonder what the effect would be if a large object were allowed to fly free during an accident or sudden stop. Not so good if that motorcycle flies into the driver’s seat! Definitely not so hot on the dash though – it’s chunky, and the buttons and materials appear to have been inspired by a circa 1982 VCR, such as the one in this photo:
http://www.oaktreevintage.com/web_photos/Video/Sony_SL-25_Beta_VCR_web.jpg
I like the subtle lighting in the interior.
to this comment On January 26, 2010 at 10:38 am Dave said:
As a current “large truck” owner (leasee), I am constantly re-evaluating my decision to purchase my current vehicle. Like many people, I am considering the idea of down-sizing (perhaps significantly) on my next purchase. The Pontiac Vibe looked like an attractive vehicle but alas is no more (save for living on as the Toyota Matrix). I really like this concept and I hope it comes to fruition. The turbo 1.4 should be enough of an engine to move me and my family around.
Some things that would be “nice to have”:
A nice balance between a smooth ride and decent handling (the Honda Fit wins shootouts because it is fun to drive. And believe it or not, shoot-outs sell cars)
Ability to tow 1500 lbs (the Toyota Corolla is able to do this as was the Vibe/Matrix. I just want to be able to tow a small trailer with a 300lb motorcycle on the back.)
Spunky styling (you’ve nailed this)
35+ mpg (I think you are probably there)
Enough head room for a 6ft adult (given the “boxy” style I’d assume that you have this)
Removable/Washable carpets would be nice (ala something like the Jeep Wrangler). This would give a bit more credibility to “professional grade”.
Decent ground clearance (professional grade)
Price point ~18k
The flip up seats are a neat idea but I wouldn’t necessarily consider them a necessity. I, personally, would like the suicide doors more than the flip up seats. Just make sure that the suicide doors live up to “professional grade” quality.
A more up-scale, low volume vehicle would be nice. And would help you win the afore-mentioned shoot-outs even though most people probably wouldn’t buy it.
I don’t know if you are actually considering the 4 bucket seats or not. I would assume not since the average American has that extra .2 kids. Personally, I have have 2 so the 4 buckets would be ok.
(BTW, my lease terminates in Oct. 2011, but with lease pull-ahead I’ll be looking for my next vehicle in just over a year)
to this comment On January 27, 2010 at 8:50 am zzkc7c said:
I agree with Mr Scully, looks to be a good Vibe replacement. I would look very hard at the Granite. As a Vibe owner was disheaten on its demise. The Granite should be a Hit, if it gets to market, which it should, quickly. Three trim levels. Basic high milage, nicely appointed commuter ride, mid grade suburban run about and a full optioned model. Some where there needs to be a GT type with tight suspension, quick handling and sporty motor. Five or six speed trans or manumatic or paddle shift. As for a fifth seat, it is what it is, can’t be one size fits all. The Granite should work out to be very unitarian.
Some colors schemes other then earth tones, some bright green, orange, yellow and a couple of metallics. Priced and optioned sensibly, the demographics should be very wide. 20 somethings to retirees.
to this comment On January 29, 2010 at 4:14 am Vikingsoftpaw said:
The issue I’ll raise is this: The Tier I and Tier II price mandates given to all of GM’s part suppliers. Tier I mandated a 5% price cut and the Tier II a 20% reduction. How much less can a given parts supplier produce an automotive part for, while still maintaining long term reliability of such a part? If I were to purchase a Granite for say…$27,000 and it were to ‘nickle and dime’ me with repair cost five years later, I would not be a happy camper. One must remember Kia’s 10 year 100,000 mile warranty
to this comment On January 29, 2010 at 4:36 amJoe Pine said:
I absolutely love this concept! I may be wrong with the idea of the car but it seems like a very premium Xb/Soul vehicle. it really has class and style exactly what GMC needs. i dont see the architecture as a delusion of the brand i see it as a new prospective on GMC and just because it is a truck brand doesn’t mean it has to have a Body on frame and a big V8 to show that kind of presence. this is a great re-invention of what GMC could be in the future. a more premium truck inspired brand. (keyword: Inspired)
All i know is im 22 years old and i would much rather purchase this than an Xb. Yes the Xb has the tuner/personalization crowd taken care of but i see this as “yes i like the idea of a small boxy car but i dont want to look like im 16.” statement.
its a mature Xb/Cube/Soul
to this comment On January 29, 2010 at 8:56 am Tyler Beas said:
I am happy to see that a vehicle like this has even been considered for GMC. I would definately consider paying the *little* extra for a vehicle for the better materials and fit and finish. I feel like I am part of the target audience this vehicle was designed being mid 20’s and recently graduating college, but I would like to mention that just because many of the younger generation shows a trend of moving toward the smaller vehicles, that is not the only direction that should be followed. I would personally like to see, now that GMC has stepped out of their comfort zone with the Granite, a GMC version of the Hummer HX concept. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, but just fun, and capable.
Back to the Granite, the concept vehicle is great, almost too great, very sculpted, attention to detail, innovative design, appears to be excellent materials. Unfortunately I doubt that a new vehicle with its own platform, controls, seats and folding mechanisms, and premium materials is going to stay affordable the way it is. The inflation of wages where I am from has definately not kept up with the inflation in the price of automobiles. I am very intrigued by this concept, but I feel a production version will be either far to watered down, or priced far too high. I do hope I am wrong, and if I am, I will be in showrooms shortly after it is launched. Thank you for showing that GM is paying attention and that it can design desirable automobiles
to this comment On January 30, 2010 at 12:09 am Frederic Langlais said:
I’m a saleman in a GM dealership here in Canada. I received at least 10 calls from consumers interesting by the Granite concept. These consumers will probably buy a Nissan Cube or a Kia Soul.
Personnally, I found this concept had a great potential for a sale winner!! I dont know if the soul is a good seller in USA but here, we lost many consumer for that!
to this comment On January 30, 2010 at 10:05 am Tmalg said:
I am a mechanical engineer and a gear head. Although I do not work for GM I have a passion for the company and I want to see it succeed. Cars like the Granite are the solution. A premium small car is the direction that American car companies need to go in. It has worked for for VW, Mini and Ford in europe for years. I hope that GM comes out with this car but please don’t change it. Frankly, it frustrates me to see these beautiful concepts “uglified” for production. It just does not make sense. Don’t underestimate the American buyer’s love for style. After all, these are the same people buying Audi, BMW, etc. Congrats to the design team. If it comes out, it will be a winner and I will be the first on line.
to this comment On January 31, 2010 at 1:33 pm Johann said:
Interior functionality is high on my want list. I always wonder why seats are so thick and take up so much room. Can’t they be made thin and comfortable like the Hermon Miller office chairs? The HM chairs breath nicely so I can sit for hours and not get sweaty. Of course in a vehicle heated seats would present a new challenge/opportunity
Also make the seats easily removable. Occasionally I remove the seats in my current hatchback but it takes about 10 minutes to do but it creates a huge space to haul cargo.
In a small car like my hatch I wish it had built in roof rail going the length of the car like we see in minivans and SUVs so we could attach Yakima/Thule/Manufacturer racks to them FAST and SECURELY to haul sporting gear or luggage, etc. This is very important in a small car to fit a city persons life style.
to this comment On February 3, 2010 at 4:19 pm Kevin from Oshawa, Ontario said:
The Granite is very appealing concept. I like the design because it polarizing. Some may not like this sharp, bold design but that is precisely why I do. I want to stand out from the uninspiring, crowded segment of look-share CUV’s (I give similar credit to the GMC Terrain front end and side profiles… rear end, not so much).
The Granite needs to slot into the segment as the premium , “profession grade” offering. Let Chevy a cater to the entry level. GMC truck enthusiasts may not like a car-based CUV branded as a GMC because they are protecting GMC’s street credibility- proof its there, so use it to make the Granite a success, as it did for the Acadia. I am a professional who lives in the city, and professional grade resonates with me.
Next, to achieve the premium status in the segment, there needs to be particular attention given to several “unexpected delights” (wow- factors) that sets this CUV apart and make me remember why I want it. The Granite has design and style going for it so lets capitalize on it, LED headlights (or day time runners) would be a distinctive touch (just as the ‘eyebrow’ equipped Audi’s are unmistakable on the road). The 2011 Kia Sportage shows it this can be offered in this segement, but go the Audi route and be dramatic with your LED execution. If LEDs are up front, no incandescent should at the rear either. Other example could include artistically designed gunmetal black-chrome wheels with polished sliver accents (think Opel Insignia OPC). Don’t go bling-bling-crazy on the wheel size either, eventually we’ll need to buy that new rubber. Tip: you don’t need 20’s for dramatic effect if your tire-to-fender gaps are Holden-HSV-tight at 12 o’clock.
In the interior, GM has demonstrated they know how to execute world-class interiors (Enclave, CTS, 2010 LaCrosse), do the same here and but add some unique, innovative features… not necessarily a new [distracting] infotainament feature. Ya, the Ford Sync is kinda cool but it takes the drivers attention away from “driving”. Come up with something cool to reconnect the driver to the road… maybe some kind of interactive, track-your-progress, heads-up display feature that could do something usefull, like coach a driver to improve driving performance in the areas of fuel economy and driving refinement (i.e. smooth brake applies, linear throttle engagement, use of coasting/idle-engine braking instead of brake/gas/brake/gas…, you get the picture). Add some wow- in the interior with halo lighting (gauges, large knobs) and light pipes for some true night time ambience… (ensuring they are dimmable with the rest of the IP).
Good job on the Granite… Make it so!
BTW… the Regal GS is really nice too! Next to the Granite in my garage, I would also like you be build me a Regal “GNX” sport wagon with AWD, twin-turbo-4, and those killer OPC black polished wheels.
Kevin
Current ride: 2009 Pontiac G8 GT (…best damn car no one ever knew about…)
to this comment On February 4, 2010 at 1:30 pm Frank said:
Like most of the recent new cars (not just GM), this one looks like the LH A-pillar blocks a good chunk of the view I consider necessary for safe driving. A reasonably unobstructed view out the windshield is really a design requirement for me. Obviously not for most other people, as more than a rudimentary view out the windshield is not necessary in these modern times, where a car is just another place for diverse activities and entertainment unrelated to driving the vehicle.
to this comment On February 7, 2010 at 7:49 pm Brian said:
Agree completely. A slim A-pillar and all structural pillars must be minimized to provide maximum outward visibility! This is a must required attribute for any vehicle, especially if it is a vehicle under consideration by me to purchase. GM designers have completely lost this critical aspect of car design. A car is not fun to drive if you have huge pillars blocking the view. ALL GM A-pillar designs stink due to the crash worthyness / design by lawyers / bean counters imposed requirements. This MUST come to an end! Other car makers meet the regulatory requirements with much slimmer and attractive A-pillars. There is a serious need for some innovation here. How much more does higher boron content steel really cost?, if it can meet the regs and lawyers on safety and satisfy the bean counters by arguing for a marginably small cost increase offset by increased sales volume due to the value of having a more sellable marketable appealling design.
to this comment On February 7, 2010 at 9:59 am MikesZ said:
The word “Granite” evokes concepts of hard, durable, impervious, natural, rugged, and long-lasting.
Sorry, but this concept vehicle does not seem to have any of those attributes.
IMO, you should design a GMC Granite that is 18 inches smaller than the Terrain, with a curb weight of about 3400 pounds. Granite should be GMC’s version of some of the Jeep products…think youth/sport…with an efficient 2.4L motor but decent trail capabilities e.g. all-terrain tires, skid plates, good suspension, AWD, all-weather floor mats. Add some cool features like roof racks that can hold trail bikes or kayaks and a flat screen that drops down in the back with surround sound for tail-gating parties, watching movies while camping, or just enjoying some tunes while hanging out atop the mountain.
Chevy is the FUN division for GM – the Corvette, Camaro, groovy little (next) Aveo…that is where this product belongs.
My .02 worth…
to this comment On February 13, 2010 at 11:46 am James (London Ont. Canada) said:
You mention over and over again in the language used in your marketing that you are aiming this car at the young professional. Being apart of that demographic I would say you hit the mark with this concept vehicle. the functionality is that of the Honda Element but with a way better design inside and out. I hope that this car will make it to production, and do us all a favor if it does make it to production, don’t dumb down the design from the concept to the production version. Just look at your Volt the concept was great and the production is good but it’s flirting with generic.
to this comment On February 16, 2010 at 12:53 am Unni said:
I too agree with James specially the comments “Just look at your Volt the concept was great and the production is good but it’s flirting with generic and don’t dumb down the design from the concept to the production version”
I think the reason is designers should not be allowed to show concepts without going through engineering.
I think the best guys in GM are engineering, Designers come second and marketing and management comes last. When marketing says “there is a market for scion xb competitor ” or the management says “we need a scion xb competitor” the designers should not start with a dump design with just grills and the design language of a brand.
Mostly the GM design group is a slave of the styles they created long back. They are unable to push the envelope and make innovations or themes. They should innovate and and pass it to engineering for feedbacks and get feedbacks and incorporate so that when they come on a concept to public, they should have established a 90%+ production ready. This will avoid crowd thinking that when concept goes to production “its dumb down of the design from the concept to the production version”.
ex: Make first design and pass it to eng: for feedback, they should be able to say this much comes its CDa when its in production and we need a more aero dynamic design and these changes may make it more aero, and give some fine examples of boxy and aero ( like bionic concept) The designer should go for next iteration incorporating the the comments,give back to eng, eng will test it in a CFD and give comments and do this cycle multiple times which may make a design great .
Once you come to a 95% agreement, declare a base line and then decide to show case it.
For a feature to get feedback , just post only the feature and get its feedback – like seat concept in this design – may be it better fits in a Colorado or a silverado crew cab.
to this comment On February 27, 2010 at 5:28 pm Ktulu said:
I think its a great concept that should be brought out ASAP.. I love the way the doors are which would make it easy to fold up my wheelchair and put it behind me. With almost all decent sized 2 dr coupes a thing of the past,except for the Camaro, an extended cab truck is about my only option at this point. This would give me something else i’d definitely consider. Build it.
to this comment On March 9, 2010 at 8:04 pm max said:
This concept GMC is one cool one from an NA make. I own a MB and really thinking that my next car could be the Granite, if it will ever make it to production ( and I wont see why not, it is acclaimed by most that 80% as being a really good thing happening for GMC). The urban feel and look of this concept car is same as you would get from a sleek condo or loft…and I think that is what the Design Manager was going for. Achieved!
Job well done, get it thru iteration, tests and production and people will buy it! Just price it decently, hope will not cost more than a Mini!
to this comment On March 10, 2010 at 10:22 am max said:
one great concept car. Build it! Lots of people will buy it. The exterior is awesome, hope it will keep its coolness thru the iteration so it could make it to production unchanged (we all know that cutting costs is the prime reason no concepts are brought in to the market the way they are presented!). Interior may need some rethinking, I guess, functionality is there, having the seats folding sideways is great, the back seats though should also fold flat forward so more flat surface could be generated as result. I am not fond of the interior colour, I guess a more toned down neutral colour would work better. The light brown olive looks intimidating at times (Audi has had same colour in their Q5 and gives the car a horrible look inside). The “pillarless” doors design is great too, again, hope that will be transferred to production the way it has been designed.
You guys, the designers, it is your job to push this concept thru production the way it is, the soonest.
Good work!