LA 2010: GMC Granite CPU
8
What debuted as a boxy hatchback of controversy at the North American International Auto Show last January has been turned into a subcompact utilitarian, um, ute. Say hello to the GMC Granite CPU Concept.
What the Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept is to the spectrum of luxury vehicles, the Granite CPU is to pickup trucks. With its 4-foot-long cargo bed that can cleverly extend to a full 6 feet, the Granite CPU is suited to carry nearly anything “reasonable.” The two-seat “urban utility vehicle” is powered by a thrifty 1.4 liter turbocharged engine, like the Chevrolet Cruze. Other features include a built-in air compressor and a removable “pack rack” that can be stowed underneath the cargo box floor.
While the Granite CPU seems to fit the GMC bill better than its hatchback brother, GM claims it’s only a design exercise. But the fact The General’s design team has yet to shelf the styling of the Granite hatch is interesting nonetheless.
Source: PickupTrucks.com | Photo Credits: PickupTrucks.com, Jalopnik, GM
Uh, can someone tell me why this concept is named after a computer part? CPU = Central Processing Unit…
That said, I would love for this version of the Granite to be built. It fits the GMC brand much better than a tall hatch such as the original Granite.
CPU = Compact Pick-Up
Interesting, kinda like the look. Now put on a VE Holden Ute Zeta chassis & you got a winner!!
This thing would sell, I’d by one to replace my totaled Canyon, It’s as much truck as most people need, GM needs to do this before VW do’s it againe and Honda finally builds a senseble version of the V6 Unibody monstrosity now on sale, I think they’ve sold like 2 in the pased 3 years what’s that thing called, Highlander, oopse no that’s a Toyota; anyhow If GM won’t buld it because its not macho enough or some crap, Subaru could move like 50.000 of these a yeare in the US no proplem, maybe a Scion, yeah that’s it GM can build them and Toyota can market them as Scions, I guess Scions do’nt have to be macho they just have to sell and make money.
I think that there is a huge pent up demand for a vehicle which can morph like this one does. But it needs to go the final step and become a sporty four passenger ute when needed or a two passenger truck when needed, with removable seats and or convertable top. You could be cool and still be able to morph into a doer of all tasks.
I’ve liked the granite since you started talking about it months ago. I’ve driven sidekicks/trackers for years(20) and always wanted a bigger box.Currently driving a Jimmy which I like, but would move to a Granite style vehicle.I agree with Jarrett there is a demand for this type of vehicle
I like this thing, and the Granite that precedes it. I’d
buy it & drive it if they can keep the pricing realistic.
Of the other small boxy vehicles (Scion Xb, Kia Soul, Nissan Cube,
etc.), the Granite is the most “matcho”. Plymouth had a concept
vehicle called the “Backpack” back in ’95 that is very similar to
the Granite CPU. Check it out:
http://www.carstyling.ru/en/car/1995_plymouth_backpack/
I love granite CPU. it fits average family needs: to haul a tree, a appliance and so o, but it still can park inside regular garage. can’t wait to buy one.