New 2009 Nissan Murano Crossover Premieres at LA Show

2009 Nissan Murano

By Sam Stockley
November 15, 2007 12:50 AM
Filed Under: Japanese, Los Angeles Auto Show, Nissan

Evolving in its second generation, the new Nissan Murano is an embodiment of the sector it set new standards for with the first Murano. A sports-utility vehicle is no longer simply an SUV, instead a crossover combining the attributes of other desireable body styles, be they wagon, coupe or sports saloon. And so with the 2009 Murano, premiered at the Los Angeles Auto Show, comes an all-new vehicle which aims to position itself in a 'class of one' through an enhanced design inside and out, premium driving dynamics and drivetrain refinement.

The new Murano evolves its predecessor's design with a more strikingly-curvaceous body, which Nissan maintain imparts the feeling of 'modern art' while retaining the Murano's distinction. A bold, more angular new grille and grille-hugging lights head up the new front end to give a sportier, more aggressive look. Flared wheel arches and bulbous surfaces stretch to the new, sharper rear end, which gains re-aligned rear LED lights, a more intrusive rear tailgate spoiler and twin chrome exhausts amid a more angular underbelly.

Powered by Nissan's VQ-series 3.5-litre V6 engine, which generates 265 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, and mated to an advanced Xtronic CVT gearbox with Adaptive Shift Control to aid smoother shifting, the Murano delivers a sportier driving experience. All models are available with the choice of front-wheel-drive or a capable all-wheel-drive system with advanced traction control.

The Murano's cabin is also innovatively refreshed for 2009, its design theme drawing inspiration from a 'mobile suite' to warm and exude luxury. A 'Welcome Lighting'  ambient lighting system provides the warmth while luxury is courtesy of new wood and aluminium panels, a new dashboard and instrument cluster design and a new standard Push Button Ignition. An FM tuner with six speakers and CD Changer is standard, much like a 60/40 fold-flat  rear bench and a plethora of functional storage systems. Options include a 7-inch display for all major controls, iPod connectivity, a revised Bose premium 11-speaker speed-sensitive audio system and voice recognition for audio, Bluetooth and the optional satellite navigation system.

The 2009 Murano is to enter dealerships from January next year. See Press Release for further tidbits.

Press Release

At a Glance: 2009 Nissan Murano

The original Nissan Murano, when it was introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model, set new standards for style and sportiness in the expanding mid-size crossover sport-utility vehicle marketplace, becoming, in essence, a “class of one.” The all-new, second generation 2009 Murano elevates that unique position through a “super evolution” of the original design – with a new exterior and interior, enhanced technology and a new premium driving feel resulting from a new, advanced platform and continued refinement of Murano’s standard V6 engine and advanced, second-generation Xtronic CVT™.

The most striking visual element of the 2009 Murano is its new body, which imparts a “modern art” feel while still maintaining its distinctive “Murano-ness.” The front end features a bold grille and wide front headlights. Murano’s new hood sweeps into the bodyline, with powerful wheel arches and available 20-inch wheels providing an aggressive stance. The Murano’s redesigned rear end features a unique rear glass shape for maximum visibility, rear air deflector, large rear LED taillights and dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers. The new Murano design also includes an available dual panel power sliding glass moonroof and 2 nd row skylight. Three new exterior colors are offered for 2009: Deep Sapphire, Tinted Bronze and Saharan Stone.

Inside, the 2009 Murano lives up to its “mobile suite” design theme with new levels of warmth and luxury. New front seats and a new steering wheel design provide increased passenger comfort, and warmth is provided by a new “Welcome Lighting” ambient lighting system, a new instrument panel design, available wood and aluminum accents and a 60/40 fold-flat rear seat with available power return. Other available features include a new foldaway cargo organizer, heated front and rear seats, power liftgate, rain-sensing front wipers and RearView Monitor.

All 2009 Muranos feature a VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque and an advanced Xtronic CVT™ with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) that provides a sporty and smooth driving experience. 2009 Muranos are available in front-wheel drive or with an advanced all-wheel drive system, and all Muranos come standard with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with a Traction Control System (TCS) for all-weather confidence.

The 2009 Murano features a new “D” platform, first introduced on the 2007 Altima, which provides a solid foundation and new, lighter suspension components with increased stiffness. New dual flow path shock absorbers provide sure footing on all surfaces, while a new twin-orifice speed-sensitive power steering system delivers the proper levels of assistance in around-town and high-speed driving.

Push button start is standard, along with iPod® connectivity (LE only). Available technology features include Intelligent Key, Bose® premium 11-speaker audio system, an advanced touch screen navigation system with 9.3GB Music Box hard drive, a new power-operated 9-inch roof-mounted screen (up from the previous generation’s 6.4-inch screen) for Murano’s DVD Mobile Entertainment System and Voice Recognition for audio, Bluetooth® and navigation system.

The all-new 2009 Nissan Murano is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in early January 2008.

Highlights of the 2009 Nissan Murano include:

Body

Engine and Driveline

Suspension, Steering and Braking

Interior Features

Safety

Models and Manufacturing