Priced at USD 46,390, Nissan put on show their latest Murano CrossCabriolet at the Los Angeles Motor Show 2010. This, according to Nissan is the world’s first all-wheel drive crossover convertible and it surely is considering that being an SUV with an open top is surely something new. You would have know, or perhaps like the Murano by now, but with an open top, well this is surely something.
Looking at the pictures, the pastel green coloured body surely makes the car looks more delicate than its more aggressive looking sibling, (the stock model). Hence, the Murano CrossCabriolet will surely tingle the buyer’s liking where it will start selling in the United States early next year. Al Castignetti, the vice-president and general manager for the Nissan Division of Nissan North America Inc said that this model adds a third element into the crossover segment where buyers are usually pre-conceived with a sedan and SUV integration. With the Murano CrossCabriolet, they have threw in the excitement of open air driving into the fray.
Having said that, he added that they are not only aiming for customers who are out for a cruise but also allows practicality and utility as well. He said that the concept model was made with the mindset to dispel the downside of convertibles which compromises the boot space and the rear seats. Hence, an SUV which naturally should provide a lot of space with an open top concept might be counter-effective. One of the priorities when designing this model was to ensure that the SUV DNA is maintained when the top is opened. And they have done just that by putting in 2 longer doors in place of its original 4.
Under the hood, you will get the engine which is the same as the all-wheel drive standard Murano which is the 3.5 liter 24 valve DOHC V6 engine that gets you up to 265 horses and 248 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with the Xtronic CVT with Adaptive Shift Control gearbox. ABS, BA, EBD and G-sensor are standard safety features while its rubber comes from the 20 inch split 5 spoke titanium finish aluminum-alloy wheels. A whole list of standard equipments are fitted into this concept and it would only make you salivate more. After all, with 6 colours to choose from, 8 way power heated driver’s seat, push button start, Nissan Hard-Drive Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box hard drive, A Bose AM/FM/CD audio system with 8 speakers including subwoofer among others, that would just be enough to bring out your cheque books.
