All-new 2015 Nissan Murano set for NY debut
Nissan has taken the sheets off its all-new third-generation 2015 Murano ahead of its scheduled debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show later this week. Sporting design cues previewed in the Nissan Resonance Concept vehicle from last year’s Detroit Auto Show, the new Murano, like its predecessors, continues distinguishes itself from the competition with a highly advanced and futuristic appearance.
The prominent glass areas of the first-generation Murano were retained and expanded with the new model’s design, including the use of its jet-inspired roof and D-pillars that appear disconnected from the roof that help visually lighten the cabin. Another key element is the continued refinement of the boomerang-style headlights and taillights, which were originally introduced on the Nissan 370Z.
The new Murano’s bodywork is also notable for its abundance of sharp creases and powerful curvatures, something which Nissan admits to be a considerable engineering challenge in the panel stamping process. The payoff for this hassle goes beyond aesthetic benefits, however, as the new Murano is 16% more aerodynamic than its predecessor with a drag coefficient of 0.31. External dimensions are similar to previous-gen Muranos, though the new design is slightly lower, wider, and longer than before.
Inside, the new Murano’s cabin carries a theme of simplicity, with the number of audio and navigation switches being reduced from 25 to 10. complemented by an 8.0-inch colour touch screen. A smaller 7.0-inch hi-res colour display resides inside the instrument panel. Dubbed the Advanced Drive-Assist Display, it is an enhanced version of the popular instrument panel feature offered in the new Altima and Pathfinder sold in the US.
Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Nissan Motor Co Ltd, shares the following critical insight in the thinking behind new Murano’s control scheme layout, “People rarely read the directions for their smartphone because they know intuitively how to operate them. We believe vehicles should behave the same way.”
Front and rear occupants of the Murano are perched on what Nissan claims to be ‘advanced NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats’ that feature a three-cushion design (first for a Nissan). Front seats have built-in heating and cooling whilst rear have heating function only. Other notable features include dual-zone climate control, smart keyless access with remote engine start, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and memory function for driver’s seating, steering, and mirror positions.
Nissan launches the 2015 Murano surprisingly with a 3.5-litre DOHC V6 as its sole powertrain. Mated to an advanced Xtronic CVT, the naturally-aspirated mill matches the outgoing model’s power output of 260hp, but drops in torque from 336Nm to 325Nm. That deficit is nevertheless offset by a projected reduction of fuel consumption by 20% achieved by the vehicle’s enhanced aerodynamics, mechanical efficiency, and 59kg reduction in weight.
Despite its improved efficiency, we anticipate the likelihood of a smaller displacement petrol engine further into the future, together with possibly a diesel mill if Nissan decides to enter the Murano into the European market. Sitting on a platform with all-independent suspension, the 2015 Murano will be available with a choice between front- and all-wheel drive.
Global assembly hub of the Murano will take place in the United States at Nissan’s Canton plant in Mississippi from which it will potentially be exported to over 100 markets. The Murano will be assembled on the same line as Xterra, Frontier (Navara), Titan and Armada. It will go on sale in the US market by the end of this year.
KON
Pictures: Official Nissan release.
