Third generation of Nissan's popular flagship crossover symbolises Nissan's design-led product and brand renaissance
- Murano styling delivers bold Resonance Concept's refined intensity exterior and social lounge interior
- Carries forward new Nissan design direction with V-Motion front end, boomerang lights, floating roof treatment and efficient aerodynamics
- All-new Murano B-Roll vision can be downloaded via http://bit.ly/P1qy22
- YouTube Clip can be viewed or embedded via http://youtu.be/PPffWeBJuX4
NEW YORK, United States – Nissan today provided an early look at the all-new 2015 Nissan Murano prior to its world debut at the New York International Auto Show. The official reveal takes place on Wednesday, April 16th (US Eastern time) at a press conference at New York's Jacob Javits Center. The dramatic new Murano will be on display to the public at the show from Friday 18 April through Sunday 27 April 2014.
While the Nissan Murano has always stood out from ordinary crossovers with its refined yet daring and futuristic design, the new third-generation Murano kicks it up many notches with its concept car-like styling, premium interior and advanced, purposeful technology.
"At Nissan, we create concept vehicles with an eye toward production, rather than just for entertaining auto show audiences," said Andy Palmer, chief planning officer and executive vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
"Likely few people who saw Resonance in its North American International Auto Show debut imagined that we could build such a futuristic design. But here it is, ready to hit Nissan showrooms less than 24 months later."
As the halo vehicle for Nissan's expanding range of bold crossovers and SUVs, the latest Murano also expresses a new Nissan design direction – including its V-motion front end, LED boomerang lights and the unique 'floating' roof.
The breakthrough exterior design carries into the interior, which offers an engaging social lounge feel through features such as the refined lower-height instrument panel, wide centre console, advanced NASA-inspired Zero Gravity front and outboard rear seating, and the airy atmosphere created by the large windows and oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof.
Available technology features include NissanConnect™ with Navigation and Mobile Apps, 8-inch colour display with multi-touch control, 11-speaker Bose® premium audio system, and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.
Responsive driving is provided by a standard 3.5-litre DOHC V6 connected to an advanced Xtronic transmission. Murano is available in front-wheel drive or Intuitive All-Wheel Drive.
Available safety and security systems include Moving Object Detection (MOD), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) and Forward Emergency Braking. The new Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) system utilises radar to detect a moving vehicle behind the Murano approaching from either side of the parking space.
2015 Nissan Murano – At A Glance
The Nissan Murano has always stood out from ordinary crossovers with its refined yet daring and futuristic design. With the introduction of the new third-generation design, Murano kicks it up many notches with its concept car-like styling, premium interior and advanced, purposeful technology.
The magnetic exterior design projects a sense of refined intensity, creating an immediate 'wow' response. As the halo vehicle for Nissan's expanding range of bold crossovers and SUVs, the latest Murano also expresses a new Nissan design direction – including its V-motion front end, LED boomerang lights and the unique 'floating' roof.
The breakthrough exterior design carries into the interior, which offers an engaging social lounge feel through features such as the refined instrument panel, low centre console, advanced NASA-inspired Zero Gravity front and outboard rear seating, and the airy atmosphere created by the large windows and oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof.
Available technology features include NissanConnect™ with Navigation and Mobile Apps, 8-inch colour display with multi-touch control, Around View® Monitor, 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, iPod® interface, 11-speaker Bose® premium audio system, and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.
Responsive driving is provided by a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 connected to an advanced Xtronic transmission. Murano is available in front-wheel drive or Intuitive All-Wheel Drive.
Available safety and security systems include Moving Object Detection (MOD), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) and Forward Emergency Braking. The new Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) system utilizes radar to detect a moving vehicle behind the Murano approaching from either side of the parking space.
Highlights of the 2015 Nissan Murano include:
Body
- Breakthrough flagship exterior design with a sleek, modern style and 0.31 coefficient of drag
- Nissan signature V-Motion front end
- Unique 'floating' roof design with kicked-up D-pillars
- Enhanced forward visibility through use of optimised angle and lower portion thickness of the A-pillars
- Futuristic signature LED Daytime Running Lights
- Available LED headlights
- Standard LED taillights
- Automatic on/off headlights
- Available fog lights
- Active Grille Shutter
- Available heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals
- Available power liftgate
- Available Power Panoramic Moonroof with large glass area
- Rear privacy glass
- Available roof rails
- Eight available exterior colours: New Pacific Sunset, plus Java Metallic, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Cayenne Red, Artic Blue Metallic and Pearl White
Engine and Driveline
- Responsive 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC V6 producing 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque
- Xtronic transmission with sporty response and smoothness
Suspension, Steering and Braking
- Nissan 'D' platform
- Lightweight 4-wheel independent suspension (independent strut front, multi-link rear)
- Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
- 4-wheel vented disc brakes with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
- Standard 18-inch machined aluminium-alloy wheels with 235/65R18 tires
- Available 20-inch machined aluminium alloy wheels with titanium finish, 235/55R20 tires
Interior Features
- Comfortable, premium social lounge interior that encourages communication between front and rear occupants
- Spacious open cabin with high quality upscale materials
- Wide, gracefully flowing instrument panel with low height for enhanced forward visibility
- Enhanced instrument panel operational simplicity with a 60 per cent reduction in the number of audio and navigation switches (versus previous generation Murano)
- Standard customizable 7.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display
- Available 8.0-inch multi-touch control display
- Dual-Zone Temperature Control with front and rear vents
- Next-generation NASA-inspired Zero Gravity front and outboard rear seats that help support a neutral posture (versus tradition seat design)
- Available 8-way power driver's/4-way power front passenger's seat with 2-way power lumbar support
- Available leather-appointed seats and steering wheel
- Available Quick Comfort™ seat heaters (front and rear)
- Available climate-controlled front seats (heating and cooling)
- Available heated steering wheel with memory
- 60-40 split fold-flat rear seats with standard remote folding and available power folding functions
- Rear seat smartphone storage and USB IT integration
- Wide rear cargo area
- Available Bose® audio system with 11 speakers (including dual subwoofers)
- Adjustable advanced lighting system
- RearView Monitor
- Available Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection (MOD)
- Nissan Intelligent Key® keyless entry with Push Button Ignition
- NissanConnect™ smartphone integration with hands-free text messaging, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, Integrated iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System
- NissanConnect™ with Mobile Apps
- Available Remote Engine Start with Intelligent Climate Control from key fob
Safety
- Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor
- Front-seat mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear outboard occupant head protection
- Front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters
- Driver supplemental knee air bag
- Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones
- Tyre Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Easy-Fill Tyre Alert
- Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
- Available Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Forward Collision Avoidance, Cross Traffic Alert (CTA)
2015 Nissan Murano - Overview
The first-generation Nissan Murano had a profound impact on the SUV market when it was introduced for the 2003 model year. In addition to being one of the first crossovers on the market, it offered a fresh design sensibility that combined an elegant style with premium features – without a luxury price tag. Murano quickly attracted a loyal, enthusiastic owner base and remained a 'class of one' as other manufacturers scrambled to catch up.
The second-generation Murano, introduced for model year 2009, maintained its strong position as the halo vehicle for Nissan crossovers – even as new Nissan SUVs like the bold JUKE sports crossover, all-new unibody Pathfinder and X-TRAIL joined the product portfolio.
When it came time to consider an all-new third generation, Murano had a high standard to meet – its own. So while the original was inspired by the elegance of the famed Italian Murano glassware from which the model took its name, the third-generation took its cues from the future, expressed in the form of the Nissan Resonance Concept vehicle.
A Concept Brought to the Showroom
Though one was conceptual and the other production-based, Resonance and the new Murano were created on parallel tracks – with shared design themes and key attributes such as their boomerang lights and unique floating roof treatment.
Like the first-generation Murano, the 2015 version is a highly sculptural, highly emotional design – one that once again stands out in a field known more for uniformity and utility-based styling.
"Murano owners live in an environment – home, work and car – that is beautiful, well-designed and efficiently run. They are social and embrace technology," said Andy Palmer.
"The new Murano had to embrace all of these values, while also taking a major leap forward in terms of its 'Wow' factor."
Working to capture the breathtaking spirit and artistry of the first Murano, the designers began by concentrating on the new vehicle's sculptural qualities. Breaking the usual order of sketching, computer renderings and then clay modelling, the Murano team started working with small three-dimensional clay forms – literally exploring organic shapes and volumes with mini desktop sculptures. The process helped narrow down a new Nissan design direction focused on lightness and efficiency.
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 Shiro 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, the shapes were slimmed and pushed to extremes to look like they flow with the wind.
"The lights' LED Daytime Running Light accents are instantly recognizable at night. While becoming a Murano signature, they were an engineering challenge," explained Nakamura.
The available LED headlights, while providing excellent efficiency and durability (versus halogen and xenon lights), required extensive tuning to refine the shape and light intensity. The design of the standard LED taillights had to be balanced with the required crossover utility, with the final shape seamlessly integrated into the rear glass, conveying a high-tech quality.
Murano's sculptural bodysides also created an engineering challenge, especially in the strong curvature of the rear fender stampings. While similar in dimensions to the 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 grille shutter, fender lip mouldings, rear bumper surfacing, rear tire deflectors and integrated rear spoiler help achieve a more than 16 per cent improvement in overall aerodynamics (versus the previous generation design).
"The designers and engineers invested three times the normal wind tunnel testing of the new Murano to get to its 0.31 coefficient of drag, on par with many sports cars," added Nakamura.
A New Way to Travel
"Beyond the sense of elegant style and premium features, owners of the first two generations often tell us about the 'effortlessness of Murano' – the great front view, the low instrument panel, the comfort and ease of operation. These are all things we kept and exaggerated in the new model," said Nakamura.
The exterior theme of futuristic travel and refined intensity continue throughout the Murano interior, starting the moment the doors are opened with its available advanced lighting system, open and comfortable feeling and use of premium materials.
Continuing the idea of a concept car brought to production, the new Murano shares the look and feel of the Resonance. The upscale social lounge interior, for example, creates an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. The instrument panel height is lower than previous Muranos. Centred between the outer wings is a large information and control centre with an available 8.0-inch colour display with multi-touch control. Keeping with the idea of 'beauty with simplicity', the number of audio and navigation switches has been reduced by 60 per cent – from 25 to 10 – for a more user-friendly experience.
"We've learned from personal electronics that consumers aren't always looking for devices that do more, they just want it done better," said Nakamura. "People rarely read the directions for their smartphone because they know intuitively how to operate them. We believe vehicles should behave the same way – it's a new and better way to travel."
Adding to the driver's sense of connectedness with security is Nissan's Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display, an enhanced version of the popular instrument panel feature offered in the new Altima and Pathfinder. For use in the new Murano, it includes a number of new features, including a 7.0-inch high-resolution colour display.
Available audio systems include an advanced Bose® design with 11 speakers (including dual subwoofers). Also offered are NissanConnect™ with Navigation and Mobile Apps.
Nissan's advanced NASA-inspired 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.
Other interior features include standard Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control and Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, along with available leather-appointed seating, heated steering wheel, steering wheel position memory, driver's seat and outside mirror memory, power folding rear seats and Remote Engine Start with Intelligent Climate Control.
Overhead, the available Power Panoramic Moonroof enhances the open, airy feeling. The moonroof has a 40 per cent longer sliding length and 29 per cent 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 centre 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-litre V6 and an Extra Set of Eyes
The 2015 Murano will be available at launch with a standard 3.5-litre 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. Fuel economy is projected to be enhanced by approximately 20 per cent versus the current generation Murano, due to the approximate 130-pound overall weight reduction, enhanced aerodynamics and engine/transmission efficiencies.
Like the previous generation, the new Murano will offer 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.
"While driving a new Murano is designed to be an exciting social experience, we also intend it to be a safe one," said Andy Palmer. "We've given Murano 'an extra set of eyes' – a suite of advanced safety features designed to help look out for you."
The new Murano incorporates up to four onboard cameras (front, rear, two side) and three radar systems (one front, two side) to provide input to a range of available technologies, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) and Intelligent Cruise Control. The new Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) system utilizes radar to detect a vehicle approaching from either side of the Murano when backing out of a parking space.
Parking a new Murano is made easier with the available class-exclusive Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, which is designed to reduce the normal complexity of parallel parking by giving an all-around view of the surrounding area from front, rear and side cameras.
The system is not just for parallel parking, however, helping view the vehicle's placement in pull-in spots, garages and against curbs. The Moving Object Detection (MOD) system helps the driver to detect moving objects such as shopping carts or strollers when backing out via an on-screen notification and warning chime.
Murano also includes as standard the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, front-seat mounted side-impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor and driver's seat knee air bag.
"With advanced, purposeful technology designed to keep you safe and connected, along with its refined everyday driving experience, this all-new Murano adds the solid substance to go with its unmatched emotional style," said Palmer.
A Range of Models, Now Assembled in the United States
The new Murano also becomes the first Murano (and the ninth 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 will be assembled on the same line as Xterra, Frontier, Titan and Armada.
"Murano resets the standard in class once again," concluded Palmer.
About Nissan Motor Company
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with approximately 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012.
Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.
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