The original Nissan Murano, when it was introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model, set new standards for style and sportiness in the expanding mid-size crossover sport-utility vehicle marketplace, becoming, in essence, a “class of one.” The all-new, second generation 2009 Murano elevates that unique position through a “super evolution” of the original design – with a new exterior and interior, enhanced technology and a new premium driving feel resulting from a new, advanced platform and continued refinement of Murano’s standard V6 engine and advanced, second-generation Xtronic CVT™.
The most striking visual element of the 2009 Murano is its new body, which imparts a “modern art” feel while still maintaining its distinctive “Murano-ness.” The front end features a bold grille and wide front headlights. Murano’s new hood sweeps into the bodyline, with powerful wheel arches and available 20-inch wheels providing an aggressive stance. The Murano’s redesigned rear end features a unique rear glass shape for maximum visibility, rear air deflector, large rear LED taillights and dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers. The new Murano design also includes an available dual panel power sliding glass moonroof and 2 nd row skylight. Three new exterior colors are offered for 2009: Deep Sapphire, Tinted Bronze and Saharan Stone.
Inside, the 2009 Murano lives up to its “mobile suite” design theme with new levels of warmth and luxury. New front seats and a new steering wheel design provide increased passenger comfort, and warmth is provided by a new “Welcome Lighting” ambient lighting system, a new instrument panel design, available wood and aluminum accents and a 60/40 fold-flat rear seat with available power return. Other available features include a new foldaway cargo organizer, heated front and rear seats, power liftgate, rain-sensing front wipers and RearView Monitor.
All 2009 Muranos feature a VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque and an advanced Xtronic CVT™ with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) that provides a sporty and smooth driving experience. 2009 Muranos are available in front-wheel drive or with an advanced all-wheel drive system, and all Muranos come standard with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with a Traction Control System (TCS) for all-weather confidence.
The 2009 Murano features a new “D” platform, first introduced on the 2007 Altima, which provides a solid foundation and new, lighter suspension components with increased stiffness. New dual flow path shock absorbers provide sure footing on all surfaces, while a new twin-orifice speed-sensitive power steering system delivers the proper levels of assistance in around-town and high-speed driving.
Push button start is standard, along with iPod® connectivity (LE only). Available technology features include Intelligent Key, Bose® premium 11-speaker audio system, an advanced touch screen navigation system with 9.3GB Music Box hard drive, a new power-operated 9-inch roof-mounted screen (up from the previous generation’s 6.4-inch screen) for Murano’s DVD Mobile Entertainment System and Voice Recognition for audio, Bluetooth® and navigation system.
The all-new 2009 Nissan Murano is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in early January 2008.
Highlights of the 2009 Nissan Murano include:
Body
- All-new distinct exterior design guided by a emotional, curvaceous theme
- New, wide, character-like headlights with dynamic accents; available High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional projector headlights
- New large grille and fascia, standard fog lights on SL and LE models
- New rear fascia with large LED taillights
- New available dual panel power sliding glass moonroof and 2 nd row skylight (optional on SL and LE)
- New rain-sensing front wipers (optional on SL, standard on LE)
- New power liftgate (optional on SL, standard on LE)
- New 6-spoke 18-inch wheels (S, SL); 5-spoke 20-inch wheels (LE)
- Available new-design roof rack with cross bars
- Increased body torsional stiffness for enhanced handling and ride comfort
- Three new exterior colors: Deep Sapphire, Tinted Bronze and Saharan Stone
Engine and Driveline
- Revised VQ-series 24-valve, 3.5-liter DOHC V6 producing 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, tuned for Murano
- Twin Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), twin knock sensor, low exhaust pressure
- 10.3:1 compression ratio, 6,000 rpm redline
- New, second-generation Xtronic CVT™ with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) for sporty response and smoothness – utilizes an advanced, sport-tuned controller with adaptive logic for driving comfort or driving performance as conditions require
- Available in front-wheel drive or new, advanced all-wheel drive system that connects the VDC system, yaw sensors, wheel slip sensors and steering angle sensors to the AWD system to distribute torque as needed; adjusts to road conditions in 1/10 th of a second for enhanced all-weather performance
- Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS)
- All 2009 Murano models meet ULEV (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) standards
Suspension, Steering and Braking
- New “D” platform, also utilized on the current generation Altima, designed to provide improved stiffness for reduced levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), as well as outstanding handling responsiveness and ride comfort
- New, lightweight 4-wheel independent suspension featuring extensive use of aluminum components, reducing sprung mass; features cradle-type front subframe, advanced multi-link rear suspension with improved geometry, and front and rear stabilizer bars
- New dual flow path shock absorbers for responsiveness and reduced ride harshness
- New twin-orifice vehicle speed-sensitive power steering provides direct steering feel and confidence in all driving situations
- 4-wheel vented disc brakes with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD); G-sensor on all-wheel drive models
- New 18x7.5-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P235/65R18 tires (S, SL)
- New 20x7.5-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P235/55R20 tires (LE)
Interior Features
- New interior design, with “mobile suite” aesthetic; spacious cabin with fold-flat rear seats and wide cargo area, “Welcome Lighting” ambient lighting system
- Innovative instrument panel design, new steering wheel and aluminum trim throughout interior
- New ergonomic seat design
- Available leather-appointed interior surfaces with double-stitched seats
- New standard Push Button Ignition
- New available heated rear seats (standard on LE); heated front seats and outside mirrors (available on SL, standard on LE)
- New available foldaway cargo organizer (optional on SL, standard on LE)
- Available 7-inch color display for audio, climate control, fuel economy, maintenance and comfort and convenience systems
- Available Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System (optional on SL, standard on LE)
- Available Hard-Drive based touch screen navigation system with user-friendly graphic interface, menu structure and intelligent search capabilities, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and XM® Nav Traffic (XM® subscription required, sold separately)
- Available DVD Mobile Entertainment System with a new 9-inch screen (increased from previous generation’s 6.4-inch screen)
- New telescopic steering wheel (manual on S and SL, power on LE)
- New 60/40 Fold-flat Rear Seatback with Power Return (standard on SL and LE)
- Available XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately)
- Standard AM/FM/CD6 with six speakers (up from four), AUX-in jack and MP3/WMA capability
- Available revised Bose® premium 11-speaker audio system with Radio Data System, AUX-in jack, MP3/WMA capability and speed-sensitive volume control
- Integrated iPod® connectivity (LE only)
- RearView Monitor (available on SL, standard on LE)
- Highly functional storage systems, including a two-tier lockable center console storage box with fold-out function, cell phone holder, dual seatback pockets
- Readability-enhancing Fine Vision gauges and driver instrumentation, plus illuminated steering wheel controls
- Auto door lock feature
- Two available interior colors – Cafe Latte and Charcoal
Safety
- Six standard air bags, including Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor
- Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
- Front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact/rollover supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard protection
- Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones
- Front seat Active Head Restraints
- Standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
- Standard driver and passenger seat belt warning lamps
Models and Manufacturing
- Offered in five well-equipped models: S 2WD, S AWD, SL 2WD, SL AWD, LE AWD
- Assembled in Kyushu, Japan
Related entries:
First Look: 2009 Nissan Murano Pictures Leaked
