Nissan announces 2010 Armada pricing and new Murano 360 value package

The economy sucks, so no one's buying new cars. Gas prices are low, though, so filling up the cars you have isn't the ritual blood sacrifice that took place every time you pulled up to the pump last summer. Under normal financial circumstances, this actually wouldn't be a bad time to release the latest versions of your pricey, jumbo-sized, V8-powered fuel-swiller. These aren't normal circumstances, though, and since product cycles are merciless and blind to current events, Nissan is stuck releasing the 2010 Armada in May anyway. There's the standard SE trim (base price: $37,210 to $42,810) of course, and the 2010 Nissan Armada adds enhanced precious-metal nomenclature with Titanium (base price:$42,140 to $44,940) and Platinum (base price: $49,390 to $52,190) special editions. Reshuffled content in each model apparently represents better value than similarly-equipped trucks from last year. The same goes for the new 2010 Nissan Murano "360° Value Package" ($33,280 to $34,880), which bundles a bunch of popular featuresinto the Murano SL. Full details on both rides are in the exhaustingive press release pasted after the jump.

[Source: Nissan]

PRESS RELEASE:

NISSAN ANNOUNCES PRICING ON 2010 ARMADA AND 2009 MURANO 360

New Titanium and Platinum Editions Offer Substantial Savings Over Previous Year Models; 2009 Nissan Murano Crossover SUV With New "360° Value Package" Also Goes On Sale

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced pricing for the new 2010 Nissan Armada full-size SUV, which goes on sale in mid-May at Nissan retailers nationwide. The enhancements to the Armada for the new model year include a revised model lineup, which now features three well-equipped models: the Armada SE and two special editions, the Armada Titanium Edition and Armada Platinum Edition.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) start at $37,210 for the 2010 Armada 4x2 SE and $42,810 for the Armada 4x4 SE.

The new Armada Titanium Edition includes a full array of standard comfort and convenience features, including Nissan Intelligent Key™, leather-appointed seating, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, premium Bose® audio system with 11 speakers, power-folding 60/40-split 3rd row seat and auto-leveling rear air suspension. The 2010 Armada Titanium Edition has an MSRP of $42,140 for the 4x2 model and $44,940 for the 4x4 – representing savings of more than $2,500 over that of a similarly equipped 2009 Armada LE or SE models.

The new 2010 Armada Platinum Edition is priced at $49,390 and $52,190 for the 4x2 and 4x4 models respectively. The Armada Platinum Edition includes all of the Armada Titanium Edition equipment, plus heated front seats and steering wheel, power rear liftgate, moonroof, DVD Family Entertainment System and a Nissan Navigation system with XM NavTraffic™ system with real-time traffic information (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive. The Platinum edition MSRP represents a saving of more than $1,100 compared to 2009 Armada models with similar content (2009 Armada LE with optional equipment and packages).

"For the 2010 model year we've added new content, updated and simplified packaging, added visual enhancements inside and out, and further strengthened Armada's already strong value positioning with truly substantial savings over comparably equipped 2009 models," said Christian Meunier, vice president, Nissan Marketing, NNA.

Other changes for the 2010 Armada include new two-piece body-color side moldings with chrome strip treatment and contrasting interior stitching for the Titanium and Platinum models, revised available wood grain finisher appearance, the addition of standard front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for the SE 4x2 model and three new exterior colors.

All 2010 Armadas are equipped with a 5.6-liter Endurance V8 engine rated at 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque, along with an advanced 5-speed automatic transmission, heavy-duty ladder frame and double-wishbone suspension.

FFV (Flexible Fuel Vehicle) editions of the same models, allowing drivers to use traditional gasoline or an alternative fuel such as E85, are offered at no additional cost in select markets.

Complete 2010 Nissan Armada pricing and options are available on the attached sheet.

2009 Nissan Murano "360° Value Package" Debuts
Nissan also announced the addition of a new "360° Value Package" to the 2009 Murano lineup. Available now for a limited time on the Murano SL FWD or AWD with Premium and Leather packages, the 360° Value Package adds Nissan Intelligent Key™, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, iPod® adaptor, metallic-finish 18-inch alloy wheels, silver-finish roof rails and Murano's signature dual-panel moonroof. The 360° Value Package is priced at $1,450, resulting in MSRPs of $33,280 (FWD) and $34,880 (AWD).

"The Murano with 360° Value Package is not only a great overall value, it offers customers some of the great features that were previously available only on the higher priced Murano LE model on the Murano SL," said Meunier. "All 2009 Nissan Muranos continue to provide buyers with an exciting middle crossover packed with substance, style and value."