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| 2015 Nissan Murano |
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| 2015 Nissan Murano |
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| 2015 Nissan Murano |
A Lightness of Form
"One of the central constructs for both the exterior and interior of the new Murano was to 'elevate your experience,' which is counterintuitive to the heaviness and chunkiness of the traditional sport utility vehicle," said Nakamura. "This helped inspire the push for leading-edge aerodynamic and three key elements of our future designs - the V-Motion front end, signature lighting and the 'floating' roofline."
In keeping with the idea of futuristic travel, the designers sought to create a gravity-like power to pull viewers into the design visually, while defying gravity with a lightness of form through the use of glass and flowing lines. The prominent glass areas of the first-generation Murano were retained and expanded with the new design, including the use of its jet-inspired roof and D-pillars that appear disconnected from the roof that help visually lighten the cabin. The result is a unique floating feeling that can be recognized from very far away.
Another key element is the continued refinement of the boomerang-style headlights and taillights, which were originally introduced on the Nissan 370Z. For use with the new Murano, distinctive Signature lights were added, accentuating the boomerang, shapes, and were slimmed and pushed to extremes to look like they flow with the wind. "The LED Signature lights, with their LED Daytime Running Light accents, are instantly recognizable at night. While becoming a Murano signature, they were an engineering challenge, requiring extensive tuning to refine the shape and light intensity," explained Nakamura.
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| 2015 Nissan Murano |
Murano's sculptural bodysides also created an engineering challenge, especially in the strong curvature of the rear fender stampings. While similar in dimensions to previous generation Muranos, the new design is slightly lower, wider and longer, enhancing the aerodynamics while not compromising the desired crossover height and stance. The lower rocker panels offer a balance of aerodynamics and ruggedness. Other critical details, such as the active grille shutter, fender lip moldings, rear bumper surfacing, rear tire deflectors and integrated rear spoiler help achieve a more than 16 percent improvement in overall aerodynamics (versus the previous generation design).
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| 2015 Nissan Murano |
Nissan's advanced Zero Gravity seats are standard for front and rear outboard occupants. The rear seats are a three-cushion design, a first for a Nissan vehicle. Climate-controlled seats (heating and cooling) are available in front, along with available Quick Comfort™ heated rear seats.
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| 2015 Nissan Murano |
Overhead, the available Power Panoramic Moonroof enhances the open, airy feeling. The moonroof has a 40 percent longer sliding length and 29 percent larger opening than the previous generation design. It is projected to be among the largest moonroofs in the segment.
Conversation between front and rear occupants is encouraged by the new Murano's "communication alley" created by the wide, low center console. The console also includes a compartment for rear occupants' smartphone. There is also an available USB port for the rear seats that allows for control of music and display, along with ample storage areas and compartments throughout the interior.
"We want everyone to feel like they are being taken care of, not just the driver. It's a continuation of the social lounge theme introduced in the Resonance Concept - a place you want to share with friends," added Nakamura. "Of course, not to be overlooked is Murano's crossover versatility, which is why the segment has become so popular in the first place."
The new Murano's cargo area has been reconfigured (versus the previous generation) to provide a projected best storage space in the segment (with seats up). The rear cargo area, for example, accommodates four large suitcases, while the rear seats fold flat for greater cargo convenience. With the easy rear seat release and available power rear seat return, Murano converts from people hauler to cargo ship or back within seconds. All configurations can be done from the back, with no walking to each door.
Standard 3.5-liter V6 and an Extra Set of Eyes
The 2015 Murano is available with a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Also standard is an advanced Xtronic transmission tuned for quick response and smoothness. The Xtronic holds the engine at the ideal rpm for the conditions at hand, offering responsive power for passing when needed and quiet efficient running at cruising speeds or around town, with the new D-Step Logic adding the feel of a traditional stepped automatic.
Fuel economy is projected to increase by approximately 20 percent versus the current generation Murano, due to the approximate 145-pound overall weight reduction, enhanced aerodynamics and engine/transmission efficiencies.
Like the previous generation, the new Murano offers responsive handling and a comfortable ride through use of a 4-wheel independent suspension featuring a front strut/rear multi-link design. Also standard are 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Sporty 18-inch or 20-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels are also available. The 2015 Murano is offered in front-wheel drive or intuitive all-wheel drive.
A Range of Models, Now Assembled in America
The 2015 Nissan Murano is offered in four grade levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum. Each is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
From the well-equipped Murano S, the Murano SV adds navigation, 8-way driver/4-way front passenger power seats, 8.0-inch color monitor with multi-touch control, remote engine start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, roof rails and more.
The Murano SL models adds leather-appointed seating, Bose® audio with 11 speakers including two subwoofers, Blind Spot Warning, Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, driver's seat memory and much more.
The Platinum grade includes 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED headlights, climate controlled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel with power tilt, telescoping and memory, and power-folding 2nd row seats.
The new Murano also becomes the first Murano (and the eighth vehicle) assembled in Nissan's Canton, Mississippi plant, which is the most diverse facility by number of models in Nissan's North American network. The Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant becomes the global source for Murano production, creating export opportunities to more than 100 markets. Murano is assembled on the same line as Xterra, Frontier, Titan and Armada.