Autoblog

Nissan may bust a nut under pressure, recalls 143,000 over tire monitoring woe

Chris Shunk — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Wagon, Government/Legal, Safety, Crossover, Hatchback, Infiniti, Nissan, Luxury

2009 Nissan Cube - click above for hi-res image gallery

If you own a 2008-2010 Nissan with Tire Pressure Monitoring and you live in one of the 21 "cold weather" states, your tires could lose an air load in a big hurry. Nissan is recalling 143,000 vehicles equipped with TPMS after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that the material in the nut may corrode in areas that use high concentrations of road salt. If this happens, the nut could come out of the sensor-transmitter, illuminating the amber TPMS lamp. if the driver ignores this warning, the tire could quickly deflate, possibly resulting in a crash (or at least a ruined trip to the grocery store).

What models are covered in the recall? The 2009 Nissan Cube and Murano, along with the 2008 Rogue. 2008-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45 sport sedans are also affected by the action. Owners of model affected by the recall will be able to head over to the nearest Nissan or Infiniti dealer to get a "more robust nut." Dealers will be able fix recalled vehicles on or before November 2010. Hit the jump to see if you live in one of the states affected by the recall. Hat tip to Art G.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube (US Model)

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Nissan may bust a nut under pressure, recalls 143,000 over tire monitoring woe

Nissan may bust a nut under pressure, recalls 143,000 over tire monitoring woe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan recalling nearly 363,000 first-gen Murano crossovers

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 21 May 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Crossover, Nissan

Nissan has announced that they are recalling some 360,000 first generation Murano CUVs because of an engine stall risk. Apparently, the material they used for their air intake ducts is prematurely aging and shrinking, causing a separation risk in the system. That separation can cause an engine stall, "increasing the risk of a crash." The affected models are the 2003 through 2007 Nissan Muranos.

Anyone with one of those models should contact their Nissan service rep to arrange a free inspection and/or repair. Customers can also call Nissan directly at 1-800-647-7261. The parts for the recall should be available in great enough quantity by July 6, when the recall officially begins. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's full press release is after the jump.

This is just the latest in a string of recalls for the popular first-gen Nissan Murano, following seat belt, fuel tank, and electrical problems. Hat tip to Art!

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Nissan recalling nearly 363,000 first-gen Murano crossovers

Nissan recalling nearly 363,000 first-gen Murano crossovers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Nissan Murano

Michael Harley — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Crossover, Nissan

2009 Nissan Murano - Click above for high-res image gallery

It just so happens that the all-new 2009 Nissan Murano is one of those nondescript mid-size crossover utility vehicles that may blend into the crowd. Its styling is certainly modern, if not overly exciting. The cabin is accommodating, if not excessively spacious. The handling is inspiring, if not unduly sporty. The engine is strong, and even reasonably efficient. How would this perfectly acceptable, yet hardly over-achieving CUV handle five passengers and full luggage on a 1,000-plus mile road trip across the Southwestern desert? Read on to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan Murano

Continue reading Review: 2009 Nissan Murano

Review: 2009 Nissan Murano originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Nissan making Murano convertible for 2010

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Crossover, Nissan, Rendered Speculation

Try as we might, we could not find the punchline to this bit of news, so we're going to run with it. Nissan is creating a Murano convertible, supposedly for empty nesters who want a side dish of top down to go with space for the kids and grandkids. Should such a thing occur, it will be searing your retinas as of 2010.

Nothing is slated to change on the car except the use of a soft-top convertible, even less trunk space, and most likely, the price. To see the rendering, if Nissan simply took the top off, the car might be a little bulbous but acceptable. If Nissan were to use a rollhoop, however... that means they're making a PT Cruiser with a higher seating position. And, as far as we're concerned, that just ain't cool... Thanks for the tip, Cory!

[Source: Inside Line]

Rendered Speculation: Nissan making Murano convertible for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan boosts price on Murano, Sentra and bumps destination charges

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Crossover, Infiniti, Nissan

While most of the attention Nissan has been getting recently revolves around the GT-R sportscar, its bread-and-butter models, like the Sentra S and the new Murano, have gotten slight bumps in price. The compact sedan sees an increase from $16,930, which included a $660 destination charge to $17,030, including a higher $695 destination charge. The Murano was just redesigned and launched with a mildly lowered price for this model year. Not so much anymore, as it now jumps to $29,250, including a slightly raised $780 destination charge.

In addition to these incremental sticker price adjustments, Nissan has announced a mild increase to the destination charges for all of its 2008 and 2009 model-year vehicles carrying Nissan or Infiniti badges. Though Nissan has yet to comment on the reason for the price hikes, we'd imagine that the weak U.S. dollar and high fuel prices undoubtedly play a part in both the base price bump and the associated destination charge increases.

Gallery: 2009 Nissan Murano

[Source: Inside Line]

Nissan boosts price on Murano, Sentra and bumps destination charges originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan 360: the X-by-Wire EA2 concept

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, SUV, Technology, Crossover, Nissan

Click above for hi-res gallery of the X-by-Wire EA2 Concept

Nissan showed off a drive-by-wire concept that wasn't about touting the technology itself, but the space and features you could get back because of it. By fitting a steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire, and shift-by-wire systems, 11 centimeters of extra space was added to the cabin which allowed for a third row of seats in the rear of this Murano-based concept. The room came from pushing the wheels out to the far corners, which could be safely done without sacrificing vehicle dynamics due to the lack of mechanical linkages.

The small, race-style steering wheel needs less turning input, and the column can be tilted up completely out of the way. The center tunnel has become a beautifully finished control panel that gently arcs up to greet the driver. When you don't need it, it can also be folded back over itself creating even more space in the front area. When I did, the swath of empty space between the front seats was so inviting I almost wanted to take a nap.

The Nissan R&D engineer with the vehicle said that there were no plans to put the technology into any products right now. But it is being studied, especially one of the main issues -- as with all drive-by-wire systems -- the implementation of redundant systems.

You can check out the Nissan 360 event site for more details on the EA2 concept and all the vehicles in Nissan's lineup. In the mean time, be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res photos below.

Gallery: Nissan 360: the X-by-Wire EA2

Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the manufacturer.

Nissan 360: the X-by-Wire EA2 concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recall Watch: Nissan recalling 16,000 SUVs for airbag issue

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Infiniti, Nissan

As every automaker knows, new models aren't without their growing pains. Aside from all the other issues to contend with while launching a new vehicle, there's always the possibility that something is going to go amiss after deliveries begin. Such is the case with Nissan, who just informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that 11,511 2009 Nissan Muranos and 4,854 2009 Infiniti EX35s have to be recalled to fix a problem with the passenger airbag. While we may fondly look back to the days when such issues could be resolved with some chicken wire and electrical tape, the airbag problem should be an easy fix since it's due to incorrectly programmed software. We're assuming it won't be more than some kind of reflash of the computer, but for those of you rolling in one Nissanfiniti's new 'utes, you might want to give your dealer a call so the person to your right has a better chance of leaving unscathed if the unthinkable happens.

Also, check out our recently published reviews of both the 2009 Nissan Murano and 2008 Infiniti EX35.

Gallery: 2009 Nissan Murano

Gallery: 2008 Infiniti EX35

[Source: Detroit News]

Recall Watch: Nissan recalling 16,000 SUVs for airbag issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Nissan Murano

Chris Tutor — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Nissan, First Drive

click above for more images from our first drive of the 2009 Nissan Murano

Nissan's original Murano was a successful and difficult act to follow. The elder statesman of crossover utility vehicles saw its sales increase every year since it was introduced in 2003, but with the segment going from crowded to standing room only, Nissan realized changes were needed to compete.

"Murano-ness" - that's what Jarrad Haslam, Nissan's product planner for crossovers, said the company insisted be preserved in the new version. Nissan invited us to Atlanta to sample this almost-totally-new Murano for 2009. You'll recognize the distinctive rounded nose, sharply-raked windshield, the side glass kicked up over the rear fender, a smallish rear hatch window topped by a sliver of a spoiler, and a lower rear bumper accentuated by dual exhaust outlets. But put the 2007 and 2009 (the Murano sat out the 2008 model year) side by side, and the differences become evident.

Continue reading about our first drive of the 2009 Nissan Murano after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Nissan Murano

Gallery: 2009 Nissan Murano

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Nissan Murano

First Drive: 2009 Nissan Murano originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cashectomy: 2009 Nissan Murano gets a price reduction

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:17:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Nissan

To go with its newly trimmed styling, Nissan has treated the Murano's price to a nip and tuck, too. The 2009 model has had $1500 removed from the MSRP across all trim levels, and a new dual panel moonroof makes the options list along with three new exterior colors. Inside, the seats and instrument panel have been redesigned to improve the atmosphere. Among the multitude of luxury and convenience options, a hard-drive equipped Bose Music Box stereo is available if you opt for the navigation system.

The Murano now rides on the new D platform that underpins the Altima, and the mighty VQ serves up 265 horsepower from its 3.5 liters, a 25 pony increase. The sole transmission is the XTronic CVT, sending torque to either the front wheels, or through all four. The revised platform is solid and sure-footed in our experience with recent Altimas. An S FWD model will buy you entry to the Murano club for $26,330. AWD bumps the price to 27,930, and you can keep adding stuff until you've got the pretty much loaded LE AWD, which starts at $35,910. It's still a Murano, with all of the polarizing style that comes with the name. You might end up with a "tastes great, less filling" type of argument when talking with owners of the original Murano, but this one sweetens the pot with a lot of revisions and a better chassis, new fascia haters be damned. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Nissan]

Gallery: 2009 Nissan Murano

Continue reading Cashectomy: 2009 Nissan Murano gets a price reduction

Cashectomy: 2009 Nissan Murano gets a price reduction originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leakage: '09 Nissan Murano pics hit the forums

Alex Nunez — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 10:34:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Nissan

Click image for photo gallery

Ahead of its planned LA Auto Show debut, Nissan's 2009 Murano is doing the sneak preview thing courtesy of the NICOclub forums where these pics originated. They've since been posted on GM Inside News and FreshAlloy.com, as well. Clearly not wanting to mess with success, the CUV's general overall shape, as well as that of its side glass, is fundamentally the same. The '09 gets more muscular, Rogue-ish wheel flares, taillamps that extend into the rear hatch, and a new front end that makes silver Muranos look kinda like the updated Cylon centurions from Battlestar Galactica. We don't get a good view of the passenger cabin, other than to see a panoramic roof is obviously an option. Hopefully the current car's chintzy-looking gauge cluster got flushed in the revamp, too.

[Source: NICOclub.com]

Gallery: 2009 Nissan Murano

Leakage: '09 Nissan Murano pics hit the forums originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Nissan Murano

Dan Roth — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Nissan

We'll know for sure in a couple of weeks at the LA Auto Show when the 2009 Nissan Murano doffs the parka it's sporting here, but don't expect earth-shattering changes. It's not like the Murano is looking tired; its sharp looking design will keep it fresh even when it's trading on some beastly backwater of a used car lot somewhere. Brenda Priddy & Co. were able to snag these shots that show off redone ends, but the same basic space capsule in between. We'd expect to see the grille lose a little bit of its "Schick-ness" and align more closely with the Rogue's front end treatment. Headlamps and taillights look slightly reshaped as well, but at least they kept that rakish profile. Utility be damned, we think it looks hot.

[Source: Straightline, Photo: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Spy Shots: 2009 Nissan Murano originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai sports car concept coming to LA Auto Show, along with 14 world debuts

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 09:36:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Coupe, Crossover, Hyundai, Nissan

When the dust settles at the Los Angeles auto show next month, at least 14 world debuts will have taken place, along with 30 North America unveilings. Amidst the premiers, expect to see a concept version of Hyundai's new RWD sports car (also to be shown in London), along with Nissan's restyled Murano CUV.

Those of you that can pry yourselves away from the Turkey table and shrug off your tryptophanic haze will be able to check out the Jaguar XF, BMW 1-series coupe, the new Mitsubishi Evolution X, Subaru WRX STI, Lamborghini Reventon, Porsche GT2 and Ferrari's F430 Scuderia the week after the press festivities end.

[Source: Just-Auto - Sub. Req.]

Hyundai sports car concept coming to LA Auto Show, along with 14 world debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Oct 2007 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Murano GT-C unveiled

Alex Nunez — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 21:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Etc., Europe, Crossover, Nissan

Nissan announced back in June that that they would have two special concepts on hand at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, both products of the company's European Technical Centre. They pulled the wraps off of one of them last week: the Nissan 350Z GT-S. Today, they unveiled the Murano GT-C (Grand Tourer-Concept), and it's a stunner.

The body features subtle changes like a revised rear bumper and a new high-mount rear spoiler, but nothing overly dramatic. They simply complement the Murano's already athletic look. Mesh grille inserts now adorn the front intakes, and trim pieces like the grille and sideview mirrors get a coat of black-bronze lacquer that also sees action in the revised cabin.

Big AP Racing brakes are easily visible behind the Dunlop-shod 22" 5-spoke wheels, and the suspension has been lowered and retuned in keeping with this Murano's sporting pretensions. Around back, a pair of double-barreled exhaust tips peek through the openings in the new bumper.

That new exhaust is acoustically tuned, and the source of the noise emitting from them is the Murano's 3.5L V6, which gets a single Garrett turbocharger. The enhanced powerplant kicks out an impressive 340 horsepower with 265 lb-ft of torque. 60 mph arrives in an estimated 7 seconds, and top speed is 140 mph.

The passenger cabin is improved mightily, thanks to a two-tone interior highlighted by hand-stitched leather, the aforementioned black-bronze lacquer trim, blue LED ambient lighting, and a hand-blown glass shift knob. Even the mats, rear cargo floor, and rollaway cargo cover get the two-tone look.

While only a concept, its makers say that if approved for production, the GT-C could come through with only minor detail changes.

After Goodwood, the Murano GT-C will be shown at the British International Motor Show in mid-July.

(Detailed press release, more photos after the jump)

[Source: Nissan Great Britain]

Continue reading Nissan Murano GT-C unveiled

Nissan Murano GT-C unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jul 2006 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander on-hand impressions

Chris Paukert — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, New York Auto Show, Trends, I.C.E., Crossover, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi's first Outlander unwittingly lived up to its name, operating on the fringes of mainstream SUVdom, largely failing to cross-over to the widespread success of competitors like Ford's Escape and Honda's CR-V. It wasn't that it was a horrible vehicle, but it didn't offer much in the way of Unique Selling Points (USPs), save its love/hate front clip. But judging by our first exposure to the new-for-2007 iteration, the Outlander's luck may be about to change.

Significantly larger and more powerful than the first-generation model, the Outlander has undergone a Toyota RAV4-esque plus sizing. It now offers more interior room, including an optional flip up third-row. There's reason to hope that it will be a good handler, as well. Based on new architecture that will underpin the next-generation Lancer (and more importantly for enthusiasts, the coming Evolution), the Outlander rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track, and uniquely, makes use of an aluminum roof to lower its center of gravity.

(Dozens of photos, original commentary full press releases and specs after the jump!)

Continue reading New York Auto Show: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander on-hand impressions

New York Auto Show: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander on-hand impressions originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Apr 2006 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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