After the visually challenging GMC Terrain, it’s good to see that Design still lives at GMC. This year’s Detroit show had far fewer Concept Vehicles due to the industry downturn and with GM and others suffering from the global financial, one wonders how GMC survived the onslaught. Perhaps it’s the low-cost of differentiating the GMC nameplate from Chevy, or perhaps there really is some equity in ‘GMC’ someplace in America. Whatever the reason, the Granite as a GMC or any other brand for that matter, is a good piece of Design. It’s forms exude a solid, rock-like (granite?) quality and the low, wide stance adds to the sense of stability and steadfastness. The frontal openings (negative space) are deeply drawn and further enhance the illusion of surface depth. The grills below the headlamps have an almost R8 look to them. At the same time, the side vents along the front doors have an almost paper-like or origami-esque feeling to them. It looks good and it’s interesting but I”m not sure I would call it granite-like. These gills seems like a different theme from the front end appearance and the overall proportion and stance of the vehicle. The rear view of the vehicle offers a similarly chiseled feel with the liftgate shutline/graphic strengthening a boxy volume.