GMC Granite aims at the Scion set

Rick Kranz

Automotive News

DETROIT — As the auto industry de-emphasizes size in SUVs, GMC hopes to attract a new demographic with its

Granite concept.

The Granite is aimed at young, urban buyers who never would consider a big GMC Yukon SUV. Dave Lyon, executive director of North American interior and global cross-brand design, calls the concept “radically different” and “something that would redefine GMC to a totally different customer.”

The Granite is also possibly GMC’s effort to reach buyers of Toyota Motor Corp.’s youthful Scion brand vehicles.

Like Scion’s products, the Granite has a unique design. It is low and more vanlike than a crossover and more than

a foot shorter than a Chevrolet HHR.

Two design elements stand out.

1. A wide opening on the side of the vehicle provides as much functionality for loading cargo as the entry through

the rear hatch. The B-pillar is absent, and Dutch doors create a wide entry when they are open.

2. A reconfigurable interior has seats that pivot up and toward the console. With the seats up, “you can get a

bicycle in that space without having to take the front tire off,” said Lyon. With tight parking spaces in large cities,

the side entry “is how most people would access the vehicle,” he said.

The concept is powered by a turbocharged, 1.4-liter engine matched with a six-speed automatic transmission..

Lyon declined to say whether a production model of the Granite is planned.

He also would not say what front-drive platform was used for the concept, but industry sources say it is General

Motors Co.’s new global compact vehicle platform. That platform is used for the Chevrolet Cruze that is sold

outside of North America and for a Buick sedan expected in 2011. The North American version of the Cruze goes

on sale late this year.

GMC’s square-backed Granite  concept, a foot shorter than the Chevrolet HHR, reflects an effort by the brand to

broaden its customer base.