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Report: GMC Granite Confirmed For Production...Again

 
4 825 views Feb 21, 2011
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2010 GMC Granite Concept

HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 GMC Granite Concept

First shown at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, the GMC Granite concept offers a GMC-branded take on the "urban" lifestyle, not unlike the Scion xB or Kia Soul, though it has its unique features, like the suicide rear doors--a feature that will reportedly make it to production.

The latest report comes by way of Motor Trend, which cites a "well-placed source" on the Granite's greenlight, and points to the 2013-2014 model years for its arrival. Actual construction should start toward the end of the 2012 calendar year.

According to our own source, the Granite's approval process was unusual within GM: rather than the typical year of focus-grouping, powerpoint presentations, and market research, the Granite got the nod in a single meeting. That may be a sign of change within GM, and it may or may not be a good thing for the Granite.

The Granite is based on the same basic underpinnings as the Chevrolet Orlando, shown at the 2010 Paris Auto Show, and once thought a possible candidate for U.S. sale. Unlike the stylin' Granite, the Orlando featured much more mundane styling (all four doors opened in the same direction, for Pete's sake!). The Orlando was subsequently canned for U.S. sales, pegged as simply too "blah" for American buyers.

If the Granite keeps its funky style and layout to production, it should escape that sort of criticism. However, being weird just for the sake of weirdness isn't a guarantee of success: Nissan's quirky Cube isn't doing well, despite its off-the-wall looks. The Kia Soul and Scion xB, however, show that offbeat shapes and styles can work in the segment. The question now is: will it work for GMC?

[Motor Trend]





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Comments (4)

  1. By WizardsLore Posted: 2/21/2011 6:24pm PST

    normally hatches dont do well in the US of A. although as always toyota was breakign that stereotype with Scion. Tell me is the xB called the Rukus in other markets? as that is somewhat of an ordinary car and a poor imitation of the clearly out there Fiat peple move of a few years ago .I cant remember the name but my god it was awesomely original. This car has a good look about it and the high driving position should suit those hairdressers who want to look more butch than in their MX5s hahaha
     
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  2. fb_82100996 avatar Rich Shanks Posted: 2/21/2011 6:39pm PST

    The Nissan Cube is a little too out-there for most buyers to live with day-in and day-out. But the Xb and Soul are more mainstream but still funky enough to make a statement. I see the Granite falling in to the latter category--a good thing for GMC. They need something with personality that's not butt-ugly like the Terrain.
     
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  3. By NoNameDenton Posted: 2/21/2011 7:11pm PST

    Give it the diesel that the Cruze is supposed to get and with the torque and fuel economy it will get some pretty good buzz
     
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  4. By Dan aka 64chevyman Posted: 2/22/2011 6:29am PST

    That was my first thought as well! Granite name and granite torque and 50 MPG! Now that's a good thing for the Granite! Accessories like a mini trailer suddenly you have a classic that gets more Americans out of the V 8 fog!
     
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