Report: GMC Granite approved for production *UPDATE

[Bigredmariner]

I saw this on autoblog.com tonight, what do you guys think?

GMC Granite concept

When General Motors debuted the GMC Granite concept at this year's Detroit Auto Show, it was a huge hit with both the media and public in attendance. A small hatchback like this would shake up GMC's legacy of only building trucks and crossovers, but it would be a good way to expand the brand's lineup and better establish it as a core part of GM.

Now, the folks at Motor Trend report that the Granite has been given the green light for production, though The General is still in the process of figuring out if it can keep those nifty rear-hinged doors intact. The Granite shares the same architecture as the Chevrolet Orlando which will be produced for other markets and will likely be powered by GM's new 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, possibly mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

It's still unclear when we'll actually see a production version of the Granite concept, but we wouldn't be surprised if a few test mules start popping up outside of GM's proving grounds within the next year. Can a tall Scion xB-like hatch exist under the GMC nameplate? Be sure to give us your opinion in the poll below.

*Update: Motor Trend is now saying that it was a bit premature in reporting that the Granite was a go. While MT still strongly believes it will be produced, it has yet to receive the official green light.

 

[dietz4ibanez]

I think anything is worth a shot..

 

[Shaggy]

Its small. It doesn't look all that bad

 

[Bigredmariner]

I fear change.

 

[dietz4ibanez]

I fear that I might know someone that might expect me to ride with them in it... Heck no!

 

[dietz4ibanez]

I wonder if they thought about putting a diesel in it?

 

[2010BlkGraniteNox]

I wonder if they thought about putting a diesel in it?

Dont think diesels will got a run from GM anytime soon. Mass production that is. The SIDI engines are easily getting the MPG/Emission requiresments that GM needs in order to meet the upcoming standards. The 1.4 Turbocharged engine they mention is going in the Chevy Cruze, that will be a very interesting engine, and should add an interesting starting line engine for the GM line-ups (mainly Chevy). You will see MORE and MORE turbos from GM! WOOT! 1.4 Turbo this year, a new 2.0 Turbo (255hp in the Regal GS) and the long awaited LF3 (3.0 Twin Turbo, I see this going into the RWD plateform, to include replacing the 3.6 in the Camaro)Last reports I read is GM is making a RS model of the Aveo, which amazingly has been tested on the nurburing raceway. If it comes out as pictured, thats my next car purchase for SCAA racing

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/chevrolet/2011-chevrolet-aveo-rs-ar83399.html

 

[dietz4ibanez]

Dont think diesels will got a run from GM anytime soon. Mass production that is. The SIDI engines are easily getting the MPG/Emission requiresments that GM needs in order to meet the upcoming standards. The 1.4 Turbocharged engine they mention is going in the Chevy Cruze, that will be a very interesting engine, and should add an interesting starting line engine for the GM line-ups (mainly Chevy). You will see MORE and MORE turbos from GM! WOOT! 1.4 Turbo this year, a new 2.0 Turbo (255hp in the Regal GS) and the long awaited LF3 (3.0 Twin Turbo, I see this going into the RWD plateform, to include replacing the 3.6 in the Camaro)Last reports I read is GM is making a RS model of the Aveo, which amazingly has been tested on the nurburing raceway. If it comes out as pictured, thats my next car purchase for SCAA racing

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/chevrolet/2011-chevrolet-aveo-rs-ar83399.html

Dude all I have to say is that I am all about a turbo... After market upgrade for a turbo on the NOX would be BFA!

 

[Shanks12]

that thing looks pretty cool.. not sure if I would actually like it in person tho..

 

[dietz4ibanez]

that thing looks pretty cool.. not sure if I would actually like it in person tho..

Yeah it looks good but I don't think that I could easily fit in the thing...