2010 Detroit Auto Show: GMC Granite Concept

Looking to expand the definition of GMC's Professional Grade tagline, the Granite concept shown at Detroit raises some interesting questions. Most importantly, what exactly does the GMC brand stand for?

According to the official press release, the Granite concept is supposed to stretch people's ideas of what a GMC vehicle can be - in this case, an urban utility vehicle delivering style, capability, and advanced features that is aimed at young professionals. Translation? The Granite represents GMC's take on the growing box-on-wheels, small car segment started here in the U.S. by the Scion xB and currently populated by the second generation of that original along with newcomers like the Nissan Cube and the Kia Soul.

As a small, boxy-yet-stylish car, the Granite concept works very well, with an appropriately compact footprint, tight overhangs front and rear, and a well-planted, wide stance. The Granite's face actually does a decent job of conveying the tough demeanor of the GMC brand, not a simple task given the car's diminutive size. Contributing to its tough appearance are nicely detailed headlights that wrap up over the fenders and are anchored by intakes that bookend an evolution of the corporate GMC grille.

The generous fender-flares also help, as do the 20-in. show car wheels and the flaring sill, complete with a heat-extracting vent that, along with the tapered window graphics, defines the car's side view. Around the back the excellent detailing continues, with simple lighting graphics, clean surfacing and that athletic stance, accentuated here by the wide, blacked-out lower panel that houses the central exhaust.

Inside, the Granite's interior is pure show car, with inspiration coming from aircraft instrumentation, precision tools and finely crafted timepieces. Organic LED screens feed information to the occupants, who sit on reconfigurable seats. A rotary knob serves as the gear selector for the 6-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

Presumably based on GM's Gamma II architecture, the Granite is 90-95 percent production ready, according to some reports. But while its excellent design represents the best of the new GM, it's position within a brand known for professional grade trucks - and more recently SUVs - illustrates some of the worst of the old GM: brand dilution and distortion. Can the public's perception of GMC stretch to accommodate this little import fighter? Only sales will tell.

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