The original Nissan Murano, launched in 2002 as a 2003 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." For 2012, Murano returns with a new package for the LE model, offering customers the numerous premium features, including: 20" Alloy Wheels with unique finish, Platinum Edition badge, Nissan Navigation System, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, and a new exterior colour –Sapphire Blue Onyx.
"With modern design, dynamic performance and 'business class,' the 2012 Murano will continue to stand out," said Judy Wheeler, Director, Marketing, Nissan Canada Inc. "With the enhancements for 2012, there are even more reasons for consumers to put Murano on the top of their shopping lists."
The Murano's exterior features a wide front end with a dynamic front fascia design, a wide grille with large integrated headlights, strong body side character lines with pronounced 18-inch or 20-inch wheels and tires and a distinctive rear end set off by an expansive rear glass area and LED taillights. Introduced in model year 2011, the SV model also has a new front grille, bumper and tail lamp design.
Murano's interior plays on the "mobile suite" theme - complete with centre stack design, available double-stitched leather-appointed seating surfaces, use of premium materials such as leather and aluminum and a variety of storage compartments and ambient lighting.
The 2012 Murano is powered by a 260-horsepower 3.5-litre DOHC V6 backed by an advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission), with Intuitive All-Wheel Drive drivetrain. Murano also features a D-platform and state-of-the-art steering for ride comfort and precise handling.
Multiple technology features are available on the 2012 Murano, including standard Nissan Intelligent Key System® and Push Button Ignition. Available technology includes RearView Monitor, iPod® interface, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, XM® Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Radio Data System (RDS), Nissan Navigation System, 7-inch colour display and much more.
Dramatic Styling
One of the most striking aspects of the Murano is its body, which imparts a "modern art" feel, but still maintains the "Murano-ness" that consumers have enjoyed since the first generation's debut. "When someone looks at the Murano, they instantly recognize it by its distinctive Murano style," said Wheeler. "Its bold design provides a rewarding sense of style and individuality. Others have tried to imitate it, but there is only one true Murano."
Murano's front end features a distinctive grille treatment with wide front headlights – with available quad-cylinder style High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional projector headlights adding an even more imposing view. The hood sweeps into the sculpted, dynamic bodylines, with pronounced wheel arches and 18-inch or 20-inch wheels providing an aggressive stance.
Integrated fog lights are standard on with Bi-Xenon high intensity headlights available on SL and LE models. Large chrome door handles and available roof rails with adjustable crossbars (accessory) add both functionality and visual accents.
The Murano's rear end features a unique rear glass shape, rear air deflector and large rear LED taillights that accent the body side character line. Dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers provide an appropriate "final" look to the 2012 Murano.
Available exterior features for 2012 include rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power liftgate, RearView Monitor with back up camera and a large, top-load dual-power sliding glass moonroof – a feature that provides an open-air experience for Murano passengers without compromising head room.
Eight exterior colours are offered on the 2012 Murano – Merlot, Ebony, Tinted Bronze, Hakone White, Airstream, Carbon Silver,Blue Lightning, and offered exclusively with the Platinum Package, new Sapphire Blue Onyx.
"Mobile Suite" Interior
Inside, the Murano lives up to its "mobile suite" design theme, with an interior exemplifying warmth and modern style. From the sweep of the instrument panel, to the telescoping steering wheel design, 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. Heated seats are available in the front and rear. Also available are double-stitched leather-appointed seating surfaces for an inviting, luxurious feeling, an 8-way power driver's and 4-way power front passenger's seats and a driver's memory system (seats, steering wheel and mirrors). Interior colours include Charcoal and Café Latté.
A variety of cargo storage areas are provided throughout Murano's interior, including standard dual-level centre 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.
Another innovative Murano feature is a foldaway cargo organizer. When needed, the organizer pops up with a push of a button from its hidden space below the rear cargo floor and a portion of the cargo floor snaps into a vertical position, revealing a flat recessed space with removable, vertical cargo partitions. The system helps prevent items such as sports equipment and grocery bags from rolling loose around the cargo area while driving. The area is also ideal for wet or dirty items due to its easy-clean box floor.
Other standard interior features include push button ignition; auto door lock feature, dual-zone automatic climate controls; Fine Vision gauges; and an AM/FM/CD/six-speaker audio system with AUX-in jack and MP3/WMA capability.
Power and Platform
All 2012 Muranos feature Nissan's award-winning VQ series engine – a 3.5-litre DOHC V6 with 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. The engine incorporates a Twin Nissan Variable Induction Control System (NICS), microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) 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™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Adaptive Shift Control (ACS) that provides a sporty driving experience and the smoothness that only a CVT offers.
All 2012 Muranos come standard with an Intuitive All-Wheel Drive System that adjusts to road conditions in a tenth of a second. The system provides increased traction in all weather conditions by distributing engine torque, depending on the driver's intended direction and the actual direction of the vehicle. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with a Traction Control System (TCS) for all-weather confidence is standard on all Murano models.
The 2012 Murano features Nissan's advanced "D" platform that provides a solid foundation for crossover duties and has been optimized specifically for Murano. The platform gives the Murano one-and-a-half times more torsional rigidity than the first generation Murano, helping improve noise isolation and reduce vibration – benefiting the ride comfort of all passengers.
Murano offers a standard four-wheel independent suspension with extensive use of lightweight aluminum for a reduction in sprung weight. The suspension design, with its cradle-type front subframe and multi-link rear design 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 in all surfaces and increased ride comfort on rough surfaces.
A twin-orifice speed-sensitive power steering system, similar to the one used in Altima and 370Z, provides the proper levels of assistance in around-town and high-speed driving. The Murano's 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).
The 2012 Murano also features great wheel and tire packages – 18x7.5-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P235/65R18 all-season tires (S, SV and SL) and 20x7.5-inch 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with P235/55R20 all-season tires (LE).
Advanced Technology and Safety Features
A variety of advanced technology features are available, including Radio Data System (RDS), speed-sensitive volume control ; XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately); Nissan Navigation System with user-friendly graphic interface, menu structure and intelligent search capabilities, a and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System. Also available is an iPod® connector that integrates into the Murano's standard audio system controls (SV, SL and LE); steering wheel controls for cruise control and audio system; RearView Monitor and Voice Recognition for audio.
Murano again offers a full complement 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 Monitor 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.
Four Well-Equipped Models
The 2012 Nissan Murano is available in four models – S AWD, SV AWD, SL AWD and LE AWD. All Muranos include the Intuitive All-Wheel Drive System with steer and yaw moment control.
Standard is the 3.5-litre 260-horsepower V6; Xtronic CVT; Vehicle Dynamic Control; 18-inch alloy wheels; halogen headlights and LED taillights; foldable cargo organizer; 6-way manual driver's and 4-way manual passenger's seats; manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel; power windows and auto door locks with remote keyless entry system; a 6-speaker audio system and more.
The Murano SV model provides customers with a cloth interior and many premium features, including dual-panel moonroof; auto on/off headlights; heated front seats with 8-way power on the driver's side and 4-way power on the passenger side; Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System; Bose® Audio System with 11 speakers and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, audio/video and USB inputs; auto-dimming RearView Mirror; 7-inch colour Vehicle Information Display; XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately); vehicle security system.
For 2012, the Murano SL model features a Heated Steering Wheel, Power Liftgate and Bi-Xenon HID Headlights and leather seats. Other features found on the SL include rear privacy glass; integrated front fog lights; rain sensing windshield wipers; power flip up rear seats; leather-wrapped steering wheel; and 60/40 fold-flat rear seat back with power return; auto-dimming rear view mirror with compass and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.
In 2012, a new Platinum package is added to the Murano LE model, which includes: 20" Alloy Wheels with a unique Titanium finish, chrome exterior mirrors, Platinum Edition badge, Nissan Navigation System, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, and a new exterior colour –Sapphire Blue Onyx
The 2012 Nissan Murano is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers across Canada in mid-Fall 2011.
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