Autoblog

Nissan lowers price of seven models for better search results

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 05 May 2013 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, SUV, Crossover, Nissan

Intent on not eliminating itself from consideration, and adapting to the way consumers research new car purchases, Nissan has announced price discounts now in effect, indefinitely, on seven models: the Altima, Armada, Juke, Maxima, Murano, Rogue and Sentra. It was found that Nissan's price points fell outside the competitive pool when prospective buyers searched for cars based on maximum price.

The price cuts vary and depend on the equipment spec, but they range from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars; the MSRP of the Altima drops by $580, the Sentra by $730, the Armada by $4,400. Discounts on the Murano alone range from $1,460 to $2,410. Under orders from CEO Carlos Ghosn the brand is working to raise its US market share to ten percent by 2016, from 7.9 percent currently - which includes Infiniti - and appears to be optimizing its placement every step of the way to do so.

Nissan lowers price of seven models for better search results originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 May 2013 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Resonance Concept gives glimpse of next Murano

Zach Bowman — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 08:10:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Crossover, Nissan, Design/Style

The Nissan Resonance Concept has bowed at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, giving the world a glimpse at the company's future design direction for crossovers. Specifically, the concept heralds what the next-generation Murano may look like once it touches down. Nissan has already confirmed the successor to the big crossover's throne will be produced in Mississippi for the first time. With a "floating" roof and dynamic head lamp arrays, the Resonance boasts a far more athletic appearance than the snub-nosed current generation. Inside, designers worked up a cockpit aimed at conveying what "the future of first-class space travel might be."

Nissan isn't saying what the upcoming Murano will have under the hood, but the Resonance boasts an all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain with a small-displacement internal combustion engine and an electric motor. A lithium-ion battery delivers power while a CVT takes care of putting power to the wheels. Take a look at the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Nissan Resonance Concept gives glimpse of next Murano

Nissan Resonance Concept gives glimpse of next Murano originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #310

Dan Roth — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Technology, Buick, Ford, GM, Kia, Nissan

Buick GN and GNX, Ford Fiesta ST and Ecoboost 1.0, GM looks for economy from new tire tech, PopSci Best of What's new 2012

Episode #310 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the rumored return of the Buick Grand National and GNX, Ford adding the ST and Ecoboost 1.0 to the Fiesta lineup, General Motors looking to tire tech to improve fuel economy, and Popular Science digging cars as the Best of What's new for 2012. Zach and Dan also took some time to chat with Matt Edmonds of TireRack.com about holiday gift ideas for us gearheads. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #310:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Ford Escape SE Ecoboost
2013 Kia Sorento
2013 Nissan Murano

Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross

Runtime: 01:39:35

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #310

Autoblog Podcast #310 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top ten most and least expensive cars to insure in 2011

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Aston Martin, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota

With the calendar year changing from 2010 to 2011, insurance adjusters have recompiled their actuarial tables and that means a new list of the cheapest and most expensive vehicles to insure for the new year. In this case, Insure.com recently conducted a survey of the nations six top insurance carriers and complied a list of 40 vehicles that take top honors in each category.

The study goes past the specific model and narrows down vehicles by trim. Somewhat unsurprisingly, the least expensive vehicles are dominated by minivans, while the most expensive list is filled with high-powered German machines. We cut down the list of 40 to show you the top 10 from each side of the fence and included the average annual premium for each vehicle after the jump.

[Source: Insure.com]

Continue reading Top ten most and least expensive cars to insure in 2011

Top ten most and least expensive cars to insure in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet revealed on Facebook

Alex Nunez — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 13:37:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Crossover, Nissan

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet - Click above for slightly higher-res image

Yep, it's real. Nissan has just unveiled the 2011 Murano CrossCabriolet on its Facebook page. Incredibly, it's not nearly as much of a horror show as we'd feared. The transition to two-door form isn't so bad at all, and we're pleased to see that there's no Volkswagen Golf Cabrio-style basket handle. Still... weird. But hey, props to Nissan for having the guts to do some different things lately. First the Juke, now this.

In the photo caption, Nissan says the droptop Murano "delivers the open-air exhilaration of a convertible while
extending the versatility of the Murano in exciting new ways." Okay. Apparently, there's room for golf bags with the top up or down, too. This'll be interesting to see in greater detail, which we'll be doing this week in person at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Stay tuned...

[Source: Nissan via Facebook]

2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet revealed on Facebook originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Nov 2010 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan slaps Monroney on 2011 Murano, popular refreshed CUV to start at $28,500*

Chris Shunk — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Nissan

2011 Nissan Murano - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Nissan Murano is on its way to a dealer near you, and it has a price tag to match its new features. The base Murano S FWD starts at $28,500 ($29,300 including destination charges*), a price increase of only $140 versus the outgoing model. That relatively small price bump will net you new 18-inch wheels, a new front grille, lower fascia and taillights and a standard 3.5-liter V6 mated to a CVT. The Murano's new powertrain will net you 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, down five ponies and eight pound-feet versus the 2010 model.

Also new for 2011 is the SV model, which slots above the S and replaces the base SL with a $31,910 MSRP ( $32,710 delivered). The SL FWD model will now set you back $35,450 ($36,250 all-in), Nissan will tell you that the SL will henceforth come standard with previously optional Premium, Leather, Moonroof and Technology Packages, though we'd add that the SL with 360 value package already came standard with all those packages. The top-of-the-line LE FWD tops the Murano range with a $37,540 price tag ($38,340 with destination*), $440 more than the outgoing model. Any of the Murano's four trim levels can be had with all-wheel-drive for an additional $1,600. Hit the jump to read over the Nissan press release.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Murano

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan slaps Monroney on 2011 Murano, popular refreshed CUV to start at $28,500*

Nissan slaps Monroney on 2011 Murano, popular refreshed CUV to start at $28,500* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (convertible) joining Ellure concept in LA

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Convertible, Crossover, Nissan

Yes, the Nissan Murano convertible is going to happen, and not only is it coming to the LA Auto Show, but now it has a name: The Murano CrossCabriolet.

Billed as the world's first four-seat, all-wheel drive convertible crossover, the chop-top CUV will only sport two doors and - contrary to the renderings floating around - it won't come with PT Cruiser-style roll hoop.

According to Inside Line, joining the CrossCabriolet at the So. Cal. show this November will be a new Nissan sedan concept that, is said to be "a new dimension to traditional sedan design - a dimension named innovation." Ridiculous hyperbole aside, the four-door concept has been dubbed Ellure, and hopefully the "new dimension" it creates will swallow the CrossCabriolet into oblivion.

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (convertible) joining Ellure concept in LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Forthcoming Nissan Murano convertible to be a two-door soft-top

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Crossover, Nissan

Nissan had the guts to bring us the bizarrely styled Juke, which is getting some solid press for its performance, and now it's apparently set to follow that up with a convertible version of the Nissan Murano. Apparently getting ready for its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Nissan gave dealers a preview of the two-door, cloth-topped crossover and the reaction of one was, "kind of unusual." You don't say. The Murano droptop has been widely rumored for ages now, but it was never known whether the crossover would maintain the four-door arrangement of the hardtop. It appears that in the roofectomy process, Nissan will remove two doors, which leaves us thinking that the finished product might look something like a mutant Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible. Hopefully the basket-handle brace in the rendering at right won't be a structural necessity.

Speaking of the oft-rumored vehicle that few thought would come true, Nissan's VP of sales and marketing stated "there's a degree of bravery for us to bring out a car like that right now." The company isn't predicting sales volume numbers for this genre-busting crossover, but the hardtop Murano continues to be a solid seller for the Japanese brand. We wouldn't be at all surprised to find quite a few of them in beach cities wearing rental company plates. If you like what you see when it is revealed, the sale date is penciled in for sometime in 2011.

[Sources: Automotive News - sub. req. | Image: InsideLine]

Report: Forthcoming Nissan Murano convertible to be a two-door soft-top originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oft-rumored Nissan Murano convertible tipped to debut at LA Auto Show

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Crossover, Nissan, Rumormill

As much as we were hoping that it was nothing more than an elaborate internet hoax by a talented Photoshopper, we're getting closer and closer to slotting this one away in the Silly But Apparently True file. According to Inside Line, the oft-rumored Nissan Murano convertible is indeed coming to an auto show near you, starting late this year at the LA Auto Show.

Yes, we're serious. No, we're not sure we get it either.

If there's any truth to this rumor, we can expect the droptop crossover to hit the market as a 2012 model equipped with the same 3.5-liter V6 engine and continuously variable automatic transmission as the standard-issue Murano. The switchover to convertible status will reportedly include the removal of the rear doors and may even come with a Chrysler PT Cruiser-esque hoop that's ostensibly there to boost rigidity and act as some sort of roll bar in the unlikely event of a tipover. We're sure it'll be just the thing for unstable homecoming queens come parade duty.

Gluttons for punishment are free to see the complete retina-roasting rendering here at Inside Line. Hey, don't blame us... we warned you.

[Source: Inside Line]

Oft-rumored Nissan Murano convertible tipped to debut at LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redesigned Nissan March goes on sale in Japan

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Hatchback, Nissan

2011 Nissan March - Click above for high-res image gallery

The all-new Nissan March, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in, you guessed it, March) went on sale in Japan this week. The March (or Micra, as it's known in Europe) is powered by a new family of inline three-cylinder engines. The base normally-aspirated 1.2-liter is rated at 79 horsepower, and Nissan has also announced a supercharged and direct injected version that should produce over 100 horsepower.

The normally-aspirated engine is available with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission along with an automatic start-stop function to switch off the engine when the car comes to a halt. The CVT variant with idle-stop is rated at 61 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the Japanese urban test cycle, which should be equivalent to somewhere in the low to mid 40 mpg range on the EPA cycle.

Nissan has yet to confirm whether it will offer the redesigned Micra/March in the U.S. market.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Micra / March

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Redesigned Nissan March goes on sale in Japan

Redesigned Nissan March goes on sale in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Murano gets first-ever diesel, snarlier new fascia... just not in the States

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Nissan, UK, Diesel

2011 Nissan Murano diesel - Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time we found ourselves strapped behind the steering wheel of a Nissan Murano, we wrote the following:

What the Murano engineers did right was the powertrain. The matchmaker who hooked up the VQ with the Xtronic CVT deserves a promotion. In fact, after spending countless hours with the pair, we observed that it just may be the perfect mechanical marriage for this vehicle.

A perfect powertrain... for the United States, perhaps. As we all know, diesel is the name of the game across the pond in Europe, and Nissan has never offered its attractive midsize crossover with an oil burner. Until now, that is. For the 2011 model year, Nissan has fitted the Murano with an optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder diesel powerplant that musters up 190 horsepower and over 330 pound-feet of torque (450 newton meters).

This new torque-rich engine finds itself mated up to a six-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control in lieu of the gasoline-powered model's continuously variable unit. This combination delivers estimated fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon U.S. (35.3 mpg U.K.) on the Combined Cycle while emitting 210 grams of carbon emissions per kilometer. These figures are no doubt aided by the Murano's first electric power regeneration system.

That's not the only update our European friends get that we've yet to see in the States. Taking a close look at our high-res image gallery will reveal a more aggressive front fascia that Nissan claims was engineered to provide additional cooling airflow to the new diesel engine. It remains to be seen if the new toothy grin will show up in other markets, like, uh... ours. In any case, the diesel-equipped 2011 Murano will start at £37,795 in the UK - that's a startling $58,000 USD, although that figure includes the UK's massive Value Added Tax, among other market-specific considerations. See the complete press release after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Murano diesel

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan Murano gets first-ever diesel, snarlier new fascia... just not in the States

Nissan Murano gets first-ever diesel, snarlier new fascia... just not in the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Crossover, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota

IIHS rollover tests for midsized SUVs - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has completed a round of rollover testing on 12 mid-sized SUVs (though most are technically CUVs, but whatevs), and the results show that some carmakers are exceeding federal rollover standards. Six of the haulers scored a Good rating, led by the 2010 Jeep Liberty, one scored Acceptable, and the remaining five were Marginal. The Good rating means a tested car has a roof that is twice as strong as the current government safety standard.

Five of the top six - the Chevrolet Equinox, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander and Venza, and Kia Sorento - also scored Good marks for front-, side- and rear-occupant protection, and so earn the coveted classification of being an IIHS Top Safety Pick. If your CUV isn't listed, fear not, as the IIHS is testing them in groups.

Follow the jump for the full release, and you can have a look at the entire batch of tested vehicles in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: IIHS Rollover tests for CUVs

[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs

IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volcano stops JDM Nissan plant, could hurt U.S. Cube, Murano, Rogue supplies

Zach Bowman — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Nissan

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

The wrath of Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano continues. Airlines are just now beginning to get brave enough to test the skies after airborne ash put a stop to all flights last week, and today there are new reports of volcanic activity putting everyone on notice. And while the volcano has left plenty of travelers stranded across Europe, the eruption is having a widespread impact on the manufacturing sector, too. Case in point: The Wall Street Journal reports that Nissan is suspending production at its plants in Fukuoka and Kanagawa. The reason? The Japanese plants use pneumatic sensors produced in Ireland that are delivered by aircraft, and that whole 'just-in-time' production methodology apparently doesn't jibe all that well with Icelandic ash.

If you've been anxiously waiting delivery of your new Nissan Cube, Murano or Rogue, odds are you're probably okay - for now. But all three models use the sensor in question, and as such, are facing production delays. The company doesn't know when the plants will be able to resume production, but odds are it will depend on when Iceland's volcano stops wreaking havoc on Europe's airspace.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan Cube (U.S.-spec)

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Report: Volcano stops JDM Nissan plant, could hurt U.S. Cube, Murano, Rogue supplies originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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