Nissan Murano

Just when you thought it was safe to return to the streets--yet another SUV spawns (or should I say SUV crossover?).

A concept, but with promised production in the 3rd quarter of 2002 (as a 2003 model), the Murano is Nissan's first real attempt at a "sculpted exterior", as opposed to the majority of 'function dominating form' exteriors of past Nissans. It is now obvious that Renault's influence is permitting much more open-minded design exercises.

The name is unusually derived from a type of coveted glassware found on islands near Venice. The Murano promises practicality in ways such as a center console with enough room for a laptop computer or purse (how do you picture this?), and a lightweight rear hatch.

I've got a question that maybe one of you can answer. Is this crossover built on the proposed Infiniti FX45 concept (which uses the Q's chassis) or built from scratch? I suspect the former, considering Nissan's economic status (which is getting better, but not to the point where they can design and build chassi on the fly, a la Toyota).

The Murano is scheduled to officially debut at the New York International Auto Show later this month on the 30th. I guess we can expect to see more information about the powertrain, but I suspect another type of the VQ35DE V-6 to be implemented; perhaps the Pathfinder's combination. Of course, I would be much more thrilled to hear the Q's VK45DE V-8 being put to another use such as this.

Nissan's official press full body sketches:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/649054front.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/421017rear.jpg

Hmmm... Looks like discreet upclose photos of a prototype to me:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/291703headlamp.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/681016grille.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/761354taillamp.jpg

it looks ok:bandit: :smoka: :smoker2: :ylsuper

again it kinda looks like a lot of boxes put together IMO

Thank Igor for creating a forum for the Murano (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&postid=526964&t=8959#post526964). Surely this vehicle will be somewhat controversial, good for plenty of responses. BTW, the FX45 will not be using the Q's chassis, but rather yet another variant of the G35's XVL-derived skeleton.

:apuke:

Why are all of the newer cars so freakin ugly?

saw pics of htis car a long time ago. Its beautiful.