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.