2009 Nissan Murano pricing and specs

Nissan has announced the official pricing and specifications for its second generation Murano SUV. It boasts an evolutionary design over the original Murano launched five years ago, which Nissan claim spawned the cross over genre. Local models will receive a more powerful 3.5-litre V6 engine which develops 191kW of power and 336Nm at 4400rpm. On the combined cycle, the new Murano uses 10.9 litres of petrol per 100kms while producing 259 grams per 100kms of CO2.

“The basic engine architecture hasn’t changed, but attention to fine detail has helped develop an engine that not only delivers more power, but does so using less fuel and producing fewer emissions.” says Nissan Motor Co. (Australia) Managing Director and CEO, Dan Thompson.

The engine is mated to a revised six-speed Xtronic CVT gearbox which has been optimised for quicker and more intuitive shifts. Power is transferred to the ground through an intelligent all mode four-wheel-drive system with electronic 4WD selection and lock mode, including Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Active Brake limited Slip and Traction Control System (TCS).

Standard features include push button start, double stitched leather seat trim, leather steering wheel and gear knob, dual zone climate control, cruise control, six-stacker stereo system with MP3 auxiliary input and six speakers plus steering wheel audio controls. The flagship Ti variant adds front heated seats, a BOSE audio system with 11 speakers including two subwoofers, satellite navigation, reverse parking camera and hands free Bluetooth phone system.

© Source: caradvice
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Full Test 2009 Nissan Murano LE

As the 2009 Nissan Murano proves, Nissan figured out this whole crossover thing before the rest of us. It's pretty uncommon for a vehicle to actually gather increasing steam when it comes to sales as it gets older, but the Murano has done exactly that. Introduced as a 2004 model, sales of the Nissan Murano have climbed every year since then, reaching 81,000 units in 2006.

Evolution, Not Revolution
Now that the Murano has developed a loyal following, Nissan has been careful to evolve, improve and upgrade the all-new 2009 Murano without compromising the things responsible for its success. As we see it, these things have been the Murano's untraditional exterior style, its ample second-row accommodations and its engaging driving dynamics.

Good Performance
At the test track, the powerful 2009 Murano LE accelerates to 60 mph in 8 seconds flat, while its capable four-wheel disc brakes stop it from 60 mph in just 122 feet. These performance figures place it near the top of its class.

When it comes to handling at the limit, the 4,135-pound Murano circles the skid pad (unimpeded by the stability control, which can't be shut off completely) with 0.79g in lateral grip. Weaving through the slalom field, however, awoke the safety system and it allowed only a pass at 59.2 mph.

A reengineered suspension with lightweight aluminum pieces and a new steering system also make the Murano a willing and surprisingly communicative partner in daily driving. No doubt the combination of these chassis upgrades and a new predictive (not reactive) all-wheel-drive system (first introduced by the 2008 Nissan Rogue) contribute to the Murano's genuine agility and overall feel of predictability. And, contrary to what some might expect from the newly available 20-inch rolling stock (LE model), the 235/50TR20 Toyo Proxes A20 tires don't degrade the ride either.

© Source: edmunds
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Los Angeles Auto Show Preview: 2009 Nissan Murano

LOS ANGELES — Nissan appears to have gently tweaked its 2009 Murano as images of the redesigned crossover hit the Internet in advance of its unveiling at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The second-generation Murano has retained the overall shape and silhouette of the original version, with a few updates such as taillights that jut into the rear hatch and what appears, in some images, to be a panoramic roof. The bulging wheel flares look to be borrowed from the Nissan Rogue and give the Murano more of a muscular appearance.

The new Murano is expected to hit showrooms early next year, with more details forthcoming next week.

What this means to you: No extreme makeover for the Murano on the outside, just a few tweaks here and there. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent

© Source: edmunds
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