Thursday, August 20, 2009

Nissan MURANO

Overview

Nissan took the wraps off an all-new Murano crossover for the 2009 model year. Nissan calls the vehicle "super-evolution" of the first-generation Murano.
The Murano comes into its own in 2009.

The crossover features a new exterior and interior, more standard technology, and an improved driving experience thanks to a new platform - the new Altima's "D" architecture, to be exact.

What's more Nissan says it has further refined the Murano's standard engine and introduced a second-generation Xtronic CVT. Nissan's standard 3.5 liter V6 has been on Ward's '10 Best Engines' list for 13 years. The Murano also has intuitive all-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive.

All 2009 Muranos feature a VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque coupled to a CVT transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). 2009 Muranos are available in front-wheel drive or with an all-wheel drive system. The Murano comes standard with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with a Traction Control System (TCS).

The most striking visual element of the 2009 Murano is its new body, which Nissan says has been infused with a 'modern art' feel while still maintaining its distinctive DNA.

The new Murano design also includes an available dual panel power sliding glass moonroof and second row skylight. Other available features include a new foldaway cargo organizer, heated front and rear seats, power liftgate, rain-sensing front wipers and Rear View Monitor.

The Murano comes in three versions: the S, which has all the basic equipment; the SL with more style and fog lights, rear privacy glass, and 8-way power driver's seat; and the LE, the luxurious model with 20 inch wheels, Xenon headlights, and Bose audio system. Customers can also have mood lighting and memory seating with two programmed seating arrangements for the driver's seat. In the trunk, power-up seats fold down for more space and then move up again at the touch of a lever.

MECHANICAL
3.5L DOHC 24-valve V6 engine
Variable valve timing (CVTCS)
Double-tipped platinum spark plugs
Push button ignition
Continuously variable transmission
Front wheel drive
Front tow hook
Independent strut front suspension
Independent multi-link rear suspension
Front/rear stabilizer bars
Speed-sensitive pwr rack & pinion steering
4-wheel vented disc brakes
Stainless steel dual exhaust system w/chrome finishers


EXTERIOR
18" 5-spoke alloy wheels w/center caps
P235/65TR18 all-season tires
T165/90D18 temporary spare tire located under cargo area floor
Body-color front/rear bumpers
Brushed aluminum rear bumper protector
Halogen headlights
LED rear lights
Folding body-color pwr mirrors
Speed-sensitive variable intermittent windshield wipers
Intermittent rear window wiper w/washer
Chrome door handles

INTERIOR
Front bucket seats w/adjustable active head restraints
6-way manual driver seat w/manual lumbar support
4-way manual passenger seat
60/40 flat-fold reclining rear bench seat w/adjustable head restraints
Cloth seat trim
Full carpeting
Manual tilt/telescopic steering column
Steering wheel cruise controls
Immobilizer system
Trip computer
Pwr windows w/front one-touch up/down & safety reverse feature
Pwr door locks w/speed-sensitive auto lock, selective unlock feature
Pwr fuel door release
Remote keyless entry
Cruise control w/steering wheel controls
Air conditioning w/dual zone automatic temperature control & microfilter
Rear HVAC vents
Rear window defroster
Front door map pockets
(4) cup holders
(3) 12-volt pwr outlets
Metallic trim accents
Manual day/night rearview mirror
Driver/front passenger visors w/extenders & illuminated vanity mirrors
(4) assist grips
(2) coat hooks
1st row map lights
2nd row reading lights
Mood lighting
Leather shift knob
Front seatback pockets

SAFETY
4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Electronic brake force distribution (EBD) & brake assist (BA)
Traction control system (TCS)
Vehicle dynamic control system (VDC) -inc: 2-wheel limited slip (ABLS)
Front & rear crumple zones
Driver & front passenger dual stage airbags w/occupancy sensor
Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags
Roof-mounted side curtain airbags for all rows w/rollover sensor
Active head restraints
3-point ELR seat belts all seating positions
Front seat belt pretensioners & load limiters
Child safety rear door locks
(2) child seat anchors
Tire pressure monitor
Energy absorbing steering column