2012 Nissan Murano Press Kit: Overview
10/14/2011
Nissan
The Murano, Nissan's premium crafted crossover, continues in 2012 as one of the most distinctively styled vehicles in its class - both inside and out. It combines a luxurious "mobile suite" interior with advanced technology and a refined, premium driving feel to create a modern crossover SUV like no other.
After receiving a number of significant enhancements in 2011, including a revised exterior design and the addition of the SV model, enhancements for 2012 include the addition of a new Platinum Edition with new 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Nissan Navigation System and exclusive Sapphire Black exterior color. Murano S models add a 7-inch monochrome screen and one new exterior color, Pearl White, is also added.
The 2012 Nissan Murano is available in eight models: Murano S FWD, Murano S AWD, Murano SV FWD, Murano SV AWD, Murano SL FWD, Murano SL AWD, Murano LE FWD and Murano LE AWD. Murano is also offered in an innovative all-wheel drive convertible model, the 2012 Murano CrossCabriolet (for complete information go to NissanNews.com).
All 2012 Muranos feature a powerful yet fuel-efficient 260-horsepower VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6 and an advanced Xtronic CVT(TM) (Continuously Variable Transmission) - a combination that provides a sporty and smooth driving experience. Murano is available in front-wheel drive or with an Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system, and all Muranos come with standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).
Crafted, Dramatic Murano Styling
Murano's sculpted exterior features a wide front end with a dynamic front fascia design and wide grille. Murano is again available with quad-cylinder style High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional Xenon projector headlights and standard fog lights on SV, SL and LE models.
The wide hood sweeps into the sculpted, dynamic bodylines, with pronounced wheel arches and standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (S, SV, SL) or 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (LE and Platinum Edition) providing an aggressive stance. Large chrome door handles and available roof rails (standard on SV, SL, LE) add both functionality and visual accents. Murano's equally distinctive rear end features a unique rear glass shape, integrated rear roof spoiler and large rear LED taillights that accents the body side character lines. Dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers provide an appropriate final accent.
Other available exterior features include rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power liftgate and a large, dual panel power sliding glass moonroof with 2nd row skylight that provides an open-air experience for Murano passengers without compromising headroom. Eight exterior colors are offered, including new Sapphire Black (exclusive to Platinum Edition) and Pearl White, as well as previously available Merlot, Tinted Bronze, Brilliant Silver, Platinum Graphite, Super Black and Graphite Blue.
A Comfortable "Mobile Suite" Interior
Inside the stylish Murano body is an advanced "mobile suite" interior, embodying warmth and modern style. From the sweep of the instrument panel to the wide console and ambient lighting, Murano owners feel a sense of warmth and security from the first time they open the doors. Murano's front seats have been designed for enhanced support, offering a rich, supple feel and excellent riding comfort. The 60/40 fold-flat rear seat is available with a convenient power return feature (the seat returns to the upright position with the touch of a button), while heated seats are available for both front and rear passengers.
Also offered are double-stitched leather-appointed seating surfaces (standard on SL and LE models) for an inviting, luxurious feeling, available 8-way power driver's and 4-way power front passenger's seats and a driver's memory system (seats, steering wheel and mirrors). Two interior colors are offered: Beige and Black.
The 2012 Murano also offers a variety of convenient cargo storage areas throughout the interior, including standard dual-level center console, pockets for mobile phones, coins, maps and more, numerous cupholders, an extra large glove compartment, and dual seatback pockets, as well as a large rear cargo area.
Other standard interior features include an auto door lock feature, dual zone climate controls, Fine Vision gauges, and an AM/FM/CD6/six-speaker audio system with AUX-in jack and MP3/WMA capability.
Murano's long list of available advanced technology features include standard Nissan Intelligent Key(TM) with Push Button Start, standard Interface System for iPod(R), a Bose(R) premium 11-speaker audio system with an in-dash CD changer, Radio Data System (RDS), and speed-sensitive volume control; and available XM(R) Satellite Radio (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately) and Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System. The Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System includes a user-friendly graphic interface, menu structure and intelligent search capabilities, XM NavTraffic(R) Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather(TM) (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately) and Zagat(R) Restaurant Survey.
Also available is an iPod(R) connector that integrates into the Murano's standard audio system controls (SV, SL and LE), steering wheel controls for cruise control and audio system, and Voice Recognition for audio, Bluetooth(R) and navigation system.
Murano again offers a long list of standard safety features, with six standard air bags, including a Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, roof-mounted curtain supplemental side-impact air bags for front-and rear-seat occupant head protection, along with a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and driver/passenger seat belt warning lamps. Also standard are front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system, front seats with active head restraints and Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones to help dissipate crash energy away from the passenger compartment.
Responsive Power and Control
All 2012 Muranos feature a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 with 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, part of Nissan's award-winning VQ engine series. The engine incorporates a Twin Nissan Variable Induction Control System (NICS), microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coated valve lifters, resin intake manifold, forged crankshaft, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler and lightweight aluminum block and cylinder heads.
Engine power is transferred to an advanced Xtronic CVT(TM) (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) that provides a sporty driving experience and the smoothness that only a CVT offers.
Murano is available in front-wheel drive or with an advanced all-wheel drive system that automatically adjusts to road conditions. The intuitive all-wheel drive system connects the Murano VDC system's yaw sensors, wheel slip sensors and steering angle sensors with the AWD system. The system helps provide increased traction in a variety of driving conditions by distributing engine torque depending on the driver's steered direction and the actual direction of the vehicle. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with a Traction Control System (TCS) is again standard on all Murano models.
Nissan's advanced "D" platform provides a solid foundation for family adventure-style crossover duties. This platform, which is similar to that used in the 2011 Altima, has been optimized for Murano. Every Murano offers a standard four-wheel independent suspension with extensive use of lightweight aluminum for a reduction in sprung weight. The suspension design features cradle-type front subframe and multi-link rear design with improved geometry and large front and rear stabilizer bars, provides increased stiffness. The suspension, in combination with high performance dual flow path shock absorbers, helps provide sure footing and increased ride comfort on rough surfaces.
A twin-orifice speed-sensitive power steering system provides the proper levels of assistance in both around-town and high-speed driving. The system provides a direct steering feel, inspiring driver confidence. Braking is provided by large 4-wheel vented disc brakes (12.6-inch front, 12.1-inch rear) with 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Murano S, SV and SL models are equipped with 18x7.5-inch 6-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with P235/65R18 tires, while 20x7.5-inch 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with P235/55R20 tires come standard on Murano LE models. Exclusive 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are offered with the new Platinum Edition.
Eight Well-Equipped Models
The 2012 Nissan Murano is available in eight models - S FWD, S AWD, SV FWD, SV AWD, SL FWD, SL AWD, LE FWD and LE AWD. All Murano AWD models (S, SV, SL, LE) include an advanced all-wheel drive system.
Murano S models include the 3.5-liter 260-horsepower V6; Xtronic CVT, 18-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights and LED taillights, 6-way manual driver's and 4-way manual passenger's seats, manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry system, a 6-speaker audio system, Nissan Intelligent Key(TM) with Push Button Start, rear privacy glass and more.
Murano SV models add Dual Panel Moonroof with one-touch open/close, auto reverse, sliding shade and privacy glass, roof rails, integrated halogen front fog lights, 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System, Interface System for iPod(R), RearView Monitor, Vehicle Security System, and XM(R) Satellite Radio (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately).
Murano SL models add leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, driver's seat and outside mirror position memory, 60/40 fold-flat rear seat back with power return, power liftgate with hatch closure assist, heated steering wheel, Bose(R) premium audio system with 11-speaker (9 speakers plus two subwoofers), rain-sensing front wipers, heated outside mirrors, and auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver. Murano LE models add 20-inch wheels with a special titanium-colored finish, roof rails with silver accents, HID bi-functional Xenon projector headlights, heated rear seats; power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, wood grain interior trim, and steering wheel memory position.
Only two option packages are available for the 2012 Murano: the Navigation Package, with HDD Navigation, Voice Recognition, touch screen with 7-inch VGA screen and Bluetooth(R) Streaming Audio; and the new Platinum Edition with HDD Navigation, new 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, exclusive Sapphire Black exterior color and Platinum Edition badging.