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GMC reveals the Granite concept vehicle at the 2010 NAIAS

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

The GMC Granite concept vehicle debuted at the 2010 NAIAS.

by Jason Rzucidlo americajr@americajr.com

(Quicktime Video)

WATCH: Interview with Ken Hampel regarding the new GMC Granite concept

DETROIT -- The GMC Granite is a new concept vehicle that was unveiled during press week at the North American International Auto Show. It has cabinet-style doors that open from the center for easy loading and unloading of packages. The GMC Granite has enough space inside to store a large mountain bike standing up.

It comes with a 1.4-liter, turbocharged, high-efficiency engine. The Granite is only a concept so production of the vehicle has not been announced yet.

"It's a very functional, stylish vehicle, has premium capabilities and the functionality you've come to expect from a GMC," said Ken Hampel, GMC Brand Strategy Manager and Accessories. "When the seats fold in and up towards the center console, you can be able to store a large mountain bike standing vertically.'

The GMC Granite is also combined with a 6-speed manual transmission.

"Great performance, terrific fuel economy, very nimble package," Hampel added. "We're projecting with that efficient powertrain, to be in the mid 30's highway [mpg]. At this point, it's still in concept mode. We've equipped it with our family, fuel-efficient engine that are in vehicle programs at this point. Future powetrain consideration would occur if we were to test the proposition of the Granite itself."

A target price has not been set for the Granite since it is still a concept. However, if public opinion is strong, GM may consider to produce this vehicle.

"We're here to gauge public reaction and be here to understand. Is there a good market opportunity for a premium functional box? We call it a urban utility vehicle. It's just a well-tailored vehicle, well-sculpted sides, wheels out to the corners, windshield pushed forward. In a vehicle that's about two feet shorter than our GMC Terrain, we get a lot of functionality and room out of it."

For more information, visit www.gmc.com/granite.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

If produced, the Granite would be GMC's smallest offering.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

A side view of the GMC Granite concept

 

This page was last updated on Fri, January 22, 2010 10:32 PM

 

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