DETROIT—General Motor’s newest sport utility vehicle, the 32 mile-per-gallon GMC Terrain, began as a sketch on Steve McCabe’s drawing board.

McCabe, who grew up in Grantsburg, has been drawing cars all his life. Now he draws them for a living at General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Michigan.

He has done design work on the Chevrolet Malibu and Trailblazer, Cadillac SRX Sport and others since joining GM in 2004, but the GMC Terrain is his first vehicle as Lead Designer. It’s his baby from drawing board to showroom model.

“In character with GMC’s rugged look, the graphics are all very architectural in nature. The structured shapes and sheer surfaces on the Terrain are stitched together with disciplined line work,” said McCabe.

He said the vehicle is selling well because it appeals to both men and women. Open the front page of February’s “Popular Mechanics” or “House Beautiful” magazine and you’ll find the same two-page photo ad for the GMC Terrain.

“As we look at current market trends, people are interested in downsizing but they don’t want to give up all the interior space and capability of an SUV,” McCabe said.

“They have grown to love SUVs but they are looking for better fuel economy. They are trying to escape that massive proportion that has become less popular. So the Terrain is somewhat smaller on the outside with focus on interior space.”

Read more in the Feb. 3 edition of the Sentinel