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Redesigned 2015 Murano Points to the Future of Nissan Design
If you're wondering what the future of Nissan design looks like, check out the all-new 2015 Nissan Murano that is debuting at the 2014 New York International Auto Show. Evocative of the Nissan Resonance concept vehicle that the automaker showed early last year, this third-generation version of the midsize, 5-passenger crossover SUV symbolizes the direction Nissan is headed with its styling.
"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."
Characterizing the redesigned 2015 Nissan Murano as "sculptural" and "emotional," the new crossover SUV features the automaker's "V-Motion" front styling, boomerang front and rear lighting elements, and a floating roof design. Lower, longer, and wider than the current Murano, the new 2015 Murano also boasts a 16% improvement in aerodynamics and a 130-lb. weight loss in order to improve fuel economy by an expected 20%. Standard equipment includes LED running lights that Nissan says will become a new Murano signature, and LED taillights.
Inside, the 2015 Murano features what Nissan calls a "social lounge" interior design. The company wanted to retain the features that current Murano owners like about their SUV--low dashboard, excellent forward visibility, comfortable seats, ease of use--with a larger, more upscale cabin. To that end, the new Murano features NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seat designs with a unique 3-cushion approach to the rear seat, and Nissan says it has reduced the number of buttons and switches by 60%. Cargo space is also improved over the outgoing Murano.
A familiar engine is standard for the 2015 Murano. The 3.5-liter V-6 generates 260 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque, delivered to the front wheels through a next-generation Xtronic continuously variable transmission. All-wheel drive is optional, and because Nissan qualifies discussion of this powertrain by saying it is the one available "at launch," it's a fair assumption that a Murano Hybrid is coming soon.
When the new Nissan Murano goes on sale later this year, it will be offered in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trim levels. All versions will include an Advanced Drive-Assist Display, dual-zone automatic climate control, Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button starting, a USB port for rear-seat occupants, and 18-in. aluminum wheels.
Options, depending on the trim level, include leather seats, Quick Comfort heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, memory for the driver's settings, and power-folding rear seats. Additionally, Nissan will offer an 8-in. color display screen with multi-touch control, NissanConnect Mobile Apps, navigation system, and a Bose premium audio system with 11 speakers, HD Radio, and satellite radio. Other upgrades include 20-in. aluminum wheels, LED headlights, an advanced lighting system for the interior, remote engine starting, intelligent climate control, panoramic sunroof, and an Intelligent Cruise Control system.
Safety is also a focus. Nissan will install a number of extra-cost technologies on the 2015 Murano including blind-spot monitoring, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, and cross-traffic alert. A class-exclusive Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection will also be available.
Nissan will build the 2015 Murano in Canton, Mississippi, and export the crossover SUV to 100 global markets. Prices will be announced closer to the Murano's arrival in dealer showrooms.
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