GRANITE CROSSOVER GMC SUV Concept Car

Another compact crossover SUV concept named GMC Granite unveiled which aimed at young urban professionals. The Granite may be on display as a concept car, but it's closely related to a new vehicle already headed to Chevrolet dealers, the 2011 Orlando. It's a safe bet that GMC will get a version of the Granite to sell in the 2012 model year, but GM hasn't confirmed its plans for the small wagon just yet.

Still, it's easy to see how the Granite concept could translate into what would be the smallest GMC ever offered. For one, there's the powertrain, a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that will power the Orlando as well as the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze sedan and in non-turbo form, will be the range-extender engine found in the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. In this case, it's coupled to a six-speed automatic.

GRANITE CROSSOVER GMC SUV Concept Car - Left

GMC Granite length is a full 2 feet (0.6 m) shorter than the new Terrain compact crossover, but its open interior was designed to be spacious and flexible to fit the needs of active people. Generous cargo space and unique flipping/folding seats, for example, enable a mountain bike to be loaded completely inside with the tailgate closed.

"GMC Granite Concept 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."

GRANITE CROSSOVER GMC SUV Concept Car - Right Angel

Powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that's part of GM's new family of small-displacement direct-injection four-cylinder engines, the Granite is shifted by a dual-clutch six-speed automated transmission. The main display on the dash, home base for nav, infotainment, phone and HVAC controls, uses organic LEDS for a full-color presentation. The rear cargo area has plenty of hidden compartments to hide gear.

The GMC Granite Concept's comparatively short body length is complemented by a wide, 70.3-inch (1,786 mm) overall width and a tall, 60.5-inch (1,536 mm) height. Those dimensions create unique proportions that depart dramatically from conventional minivan, SUV or crossover designs. "The Design team leveraged the best attributes from different segments: SUV, minivan and crossover, and mixed them with a commercial chic aesthetic.

GRANITE CROSSOVER GMC SUV Concept Car - Right Door Open

GMC Granite Concept has four doors, hinged on each side to open like a set of French doors. There's no pillar between the front and rear doors, making the GMC Granite Concept easier to enter, exit and load, even with bulky items.

Up front, GMC's signature grille design is flanked by headlamps that sweep back into the fenders, further suggesting motion. The headlamps and fog lamps are set at the far edges of the front-end bodywork, accentuating the GMC Granite Concept's planted stance. At the rear, the vehicle's planes and angles come together tightly, showing careful attention to detail. Other exterior elements include prominent taillamps with a multi-layer appearance and LED lighting technology; and a centered exhaust outlet with a brushed metal tip.

GRANITE CROSSOVER GMC SUV Concept Car - Interior

The interior was inspired by the design of aircraft-type mechanical instruments and precision tools. That is most apparent on the dashboard and instrument cluster, where gauges were modeled after finely crafted timepieces. A compass incorporated into the "barrel" surrounding the speedometer moves with every turn of the vehicle, providing an at-a-glance directional confirmation. "Our goal was not to hide but to show how this vehicle is put together, and the high quality of its craftsmanship, not unlike the finest industrial-inspired luxury time pieces," said Lyon.

The center console also houses a unique transmission shifter. Rather than a handle that actuates within a conventional gate, it is a simple, space-saving knob that rotates with the precise clicks of a torque wrench. The gear selections are confirmed via LED indicators.

GRANITE CROSSOVER GMC SUV Concept Car - Interior/Panel

The GMC Granite Concept's interior is finished with dark tones on the bottom and complementing, lighter colors on top, including suede-like Nubuck material on the seats and instrument panel. The interior is further accented by satin-finish and anodized trim. The instrument panel gives the impression of a command console, with driver-focused instruments and controls set in an anodized panel.