Exterior Design
In describing the design inspiration for the new Granite concept, GMC repeatedly uses the terms “urban” and “industrial.” Said Dave Lyon, executive director of North American Interior and Global Cross-Brand Design for GM: “We think of the Granite as the automotive equivalent of an urban loft apartment. The exterior has an unmistakable industrial look, but the interior is warm and personalized.” So how did the company go about capturing the urban-industrial vibe and applying it to a crossover utility vehicle? By using young designers who could draw upon the preferences of young, urban professionals like themselves. The end result was a relatively short but functional design, with a wheelbase comparable to a Chevrolet Cobalt but with an overall length more than a foot shorter—ideal for maneuvering on narrow, urban streets. And while the Granite may be considered short, it is relatively wide—70.3 inches.
Viewed from the front, the Granite concept features GMC’s signature grille, flanked by headlamps that sweep back into the fenders. From the side, the 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 ingress and egress easier, and making it easier to load long or bulky items. At the rear, design elements include prominent taillamps with a multi-layer appearance and LED lighting technology, and a centered exhaust outlet with a brushed metal tip.
GMC points out that there is no chrome on the exterior of the Granite concept; all the trim has a satin or brushed metal finish, accenting the industrial look, according to the company. The exterior color of the Granite is metallic gray, again evoking the industrial theme.
In describing the design inspiration for the new Granite concept, GMC repeatedly uses the terms “urban” and “industrial.” Said Dave Lyon, executive director of North American Interior and Global Cross-Brand Design for GM: “We think of the Granite as the automotive equivalent of an urban loft apartment. The exterior has an unmistakable industrial look, but the interior is warm and personalized.” So how did the company go about capturing the urban-industrial vibe and applying it to a crossover utility vehicle? By using young designers who could draw upon the preferences of young, urban professionals like themselves. The end result was a relatively short but functional design, with a wheelbase comparable to a Chevrolet Cobalt but with an overall length more than a foot shorter—ideal for maneuvering on narrow, urban streets. And while the Granite may be considered short, it is relatively wide—70.3 inches.
Viewed from the front, the Granite concept features GMC’s signature grille, flanked by headlamps that sweep back into the fenders. From the side, the 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 ingress and egress easier, and making it easier to load long or bulky items. At the rear, design elements include prominent taillamps with a multi-layer appearance and LED lighting technology, and a centered exhaust outlet with a brushed metal tip.
GMC points out that there is no chrome on the exterior of the Granite concept; all the trim has a satin or brushed metal finish, accenting the industrial look, according to the company. The exterior color of the Granite is metallic gray, again evoking the industrial theme.
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