GMC Graphyte

Over the last few years, General Motors has been actively pursuing registration of the Graphyte name with the Untied States Patent and Trademark Office. Most recently, the automaker filed a trademark application on January 5, 2016 for the term Graphyte in the goods and service category of “motor land vehicles, namely, trucks and sport utility vehicles”.

In addition, several General Motors executives have been pushing for a subcompact crossover from GMC. Specifically, Buick-GMC chief Duncan Aldred has gone on record in saying that it’s vital for GMC to have a subcompact crossover.

Aldred said he sees a future GMC subcompact CUV doing battle with the likes of the Jeep Renegade, while not overlapping with the Buick Encore in the slightest, likely with unique sheetmetal for a more rugged design.

Following are our expectations the GMC Graphyte to be a subcompact crossover:

• Based on GM’s new G2XX platform that replaces Gamma 2, shared with the:
  • Second-generation Buick Encore/Opel-Vauxhall Mokka
  • Second-generation Chevrolet Trax/Tracker
• Rugged and bold exterior design
• Competent off-road ability
• Two-row, five-passenger seating configuration
• Powered by a turbo-charged four-cylinder engine, most likely GM’s new 1.4L Turbo LE2

We do not expect the GMC Graphyte to resemble the GMC Granite concept. Introduced in 2010, the Granite was a compact tall hatch that was originally slated to be a Pontiac. After the Pontiac brand was shuttered during GM’s bankruptcy, the vehicle reportedly received a new face and was pushed out the door as a GMC.

The GMC Granite Concept was unveiled in 2010

Instead, we expect the Graphyte to look like a proper subcompact crossover with rugged and bold design elements.

If what we expect about the GMC Graphyte is true, then its primary rival — based on vehicle capability and presence — would be the Jeep Renegade.

Other GMC Graphyte rivals in the subcompact crossover size class would include:

• Honda HR-V
• Nissan Juke
• Chevrolet Trax
• Buick Encore