2009 Nissan Murano

[Jawad]

[titan_ag]

Nice size. I hope it has three rows. GM's Lambdas are the CUVs to beat...

[MURANIML]

Good news... it looks a lot like the original except for the rear lights and the front grill. I'm glad they didn't spoil it with a third row ...that would have been tragic! Wider wheels, say 255s, would look much better.

[trondhla]

Make it look like a "Grand Qashqai"

[4U4ME]

Originally Posted by trondhla

Make it look like a "Grand Qashqai"

true looking at the Grill

[da99]

Good find. I'm happy to see some spy photos surface of the Murano, I didn't expect to see any honestly. From what I can see, it looks as if all the rumors regarding the Murano have been pretty accurate as well. Same basic shape and size with the biggest changes coming to the front and rear. Maybe if we are lucky, more spy photos will surface before this baby makes her supposed debut at the L.A. Show next month.

[ZYAL8R808]

It does look very similar to the Rogue. The tail lights and grill have a striking resemblance. From what you can see through the masking, anyway.

[Lichtronamo]

Originally Posted by titan_ag

Nice size. I hope it has three rows. GM's Lambdas are the CUVs to beat...

No way there are three rows with the lack of space behind the C-pilar. If you want three rows, Nissan wants you to buy a Pathfinder, right or wrong.

[da99]

Originally Posted by Lichtronamo

No way there are three rows with the lack of space behind the C-pilar. If you want three rows, Nissan wants you to buy a Pathfinder, right or wrong.

Or an Armada. The Pathfinder really shouldn't have a third row imo, it's not large enough for one. Rumor has it, due to increasing CAFE standards, the next Pathfinder may become a crossover. If that's the case, then I'd love to see the Pathy made into a Lambda sized vehicle with a third row and all the trimmings built to take on the GM's. Then Nissan could leave the Xterra as is (it's almost as big as a Pathfinder now anyway) and have the Armada be Nissan's "truck" based big boy as it is now.

As for the next Murano, I wouldn't mind if they up-sized it just a tad (keywords "a tad") bit from the current one (hard to tell from the pictures the size relative to current Murano, it looks very close to the same size), but not too much so and there should no way, no how be a third row in it.

[Lichtronamo]

Originally Posted by da99

Or an Armada. The Pathfinder really shouldn't have a third row imo, it's not large enough for one. Rumor has it, due to increasing CAFE standards, the next Pathfinder may become a crossover. If that's the case, then I'd love to see the Pathy made into a Lambda sized vehicle with a third row and all the trimmings built to take on the GM's. Then Nissan could leave the Xterra as is (it's almost as big as a Pathfinder now anyway) and have the Armada be Nissan's "truck" based big boy as it is now.

I'd agree with the need to consider changing the Pathfinder from a true SUV to a crossover to match the Lambdas, Pilot and Highlander. There is space in the line up to do it given the size limits of the Rouge and Murano. Making the Pathfinder a CUV also eliminates the overlap that exists between the current vehicle and the XTerra as you suggest. It would probably mean conceeding some sales to Toyota's 4-Runner for those that want a true V-8 powered SUV without the size of the Armada (with the Explorere rumored to be going to a CUV and the pending execution of the Trailblazer/Envoy and Durango/Aspen, Toyota may have that segment all to itself).

You may not need that third row often, but its almost mandatory if you have kids. We're having my daughter's 7th birthday party in a couple weeks and she is inviting 6 friends. One problem is that we've got a Maxima and an Accord, which means space for only 6 kids. Ugh. No wonder people are buying minivans and SUV/CUVs. We're borrowing our neighbor's Sienna. I've almost had myself convinced more than once to trade the Maxima for an Odyssey (no way my spouse will drive a minivan).

[4U4ME]

but look at the current Murano and the new spy shots
look at after the C-piller, there is more space after the c-piller

[4U4ME]

I think the new one got 3rd row seat

[SouthStar019]

are crossovers allowed to have 3rd row seats?

[CX35]

Originally Posted by SouthStar019

are crossovers allowed to have 3rd row seats?

Most of them do now'a days.
-Acadia/Outlook
-Rav4
-Highlander
-Pilot
-Outlander
-Tribeca

[CX35]

Originally Posted by da99

Or an Armada. The Pathfinder really shouldn't have a third row imo, it's not large enough for one. Rumor has it, due to increasing CAFE standards, the next Pathfinder may become a crossover. If that's the case, then I'd love to see the Pathy made into a Lambda sized vehicle with a third row and all the trimmings built to take on the GM's. Then Nissan could leave the Xterra as is (it's almost as big as a Pathfinder now anyway) and have the Armada be Nissan's "truck" based big boy as it is now.

As for the next Murano, I wouldn't mind if they up-sized it just a tad (keywords "a tad") bit from the current one (hard to tell from the pictures the size relative to current Murano, it looks very close to the same size), but not too much so and there should no way, no how be a third row in it.

I agree and have also heard the same about the next Pathfinder. I think its a good idea, even Ford is considering making the Explorer a unibody crossover(don't see the sense considering the Flex tho).

[222Max]

I hate third rows in vehicles like this. I hope it doesn't have them.

Anyway, I notice that the roof is heavily covered and disguised. I wonder if it will have a funky panoramic sunroof to compete with the Ford Edge this time.

[07G35S]

Originally Posted by 4U4ME

but look at the current Murano and the new spy shots
look at after the C-piller, there is more space after the c-piller

I'm looking at the c-piller (aka pillar) and the distance between the rear door handles and the brake lights as well as the overhang behind the rear tires. Looks identical to me... I guess you're seeing something i don't

[4U4ME]

Originally Posted by 07G35S

I'm looking at the c-piller (aka pillar) and the distance between the rear door handles and the brake lights as well as the overhang behind the rear tires. Looks identical to me... I guess you're seeing something i don't

but still to me it looks little bigger

[da99]

Originally Posted by 4U4ME

but still to me it looks little bigger

I dunno about that, it really is difficult to judge the space behind the "C" pillar due to all the covering on it. To my eyes it appears there is a little bit more space, but that could just be the coverings extending past the "D" pillar to cover up the styling of the rear end. Also the angles of the photos makes it difficult to get a good view and comparison with the current Murano. Even if there is indeed more space back there, it still doesn't appear large enough for a third row.

[2K2MaximaSErious]

Originally Posted by 222Max

I hate third rows in vehicles like this. I hope it doesn't have them.

Anyway, I notice that the roof is heavily covered and disguised. I wonder if it will have a funky panoramic sunroof to compete with the Ford Edge this time.

So? Leave them folded down. Some of us would like the option to separate our kids to avoid arguing and fighting in close proximity. The only option Nissan offers me is the Armada (I don't tow anything, so no need for thirsty V8), Quest (ugly, aircraft carrier turning radius), and Pathfinder (second and third row are amazingly tight, fuel economy sucks, even with V6).

I, too like the idea of the Pathy moving to a unibody platform to compete against the GM Lambda CUVs and the Mazda CX-9. These, in my opinion are the best packaging option for families who don't tow, and are not thrilled about driving a minivan. Add clean diesel power with 30+ mpg, and you really have a hit on your hands.

[montyz81]

Originally Posted by 2K2MaximaSErious

I, too like the idea of the Pathy moving to a unibody platform to compete against the GM Lambda CUVs and the Mazda CX-9. These, in my opinion are the best packaging option for families who don't tow, and are not thrilled about driving a minivan. Add clean diesel power with 30+ mpg, and you really have a hit on your hands.

The Pathfinder started out on the Hardbody platform with a body on frame, then it went to Unibody from 1997 - 2005. Then it went back to the Titan/Armada body on frame. I would think it would be very expensive to redesign this product from the ground up for the 4th time in its 4 generation life cycle. I would imagine Nissan does not want to do that again!

[Lichtronamo]

It would probably be on a streched "D" platform - not that much more expensive than having to redesign a body on frame vehicle and may be justified by potentially greater sales.

I don't know about using the "Pathfinder" name on a CUV however. Maybe the next XTerra becomes a the Pathfinder and the CUV gets a new name.

[da99]

Originally Posted by Lichtronamo

It would probably be on a streched "D" platform - not that much more expensive than having to redesign a body on frame vehicle and may be justified by potentially greater sales.

I don't know about using the "Pathfinder" name on a CUV however. Maybe the next XTerra becomes a the Pathfinder and the CUV gets a new name.

The next Xterra becomes the Pathfinder? Then what becomes the next Xterra? Personally I think both names are now pretty well established and it would be a mistake for Nissan to eliminate either one of them. I can only for-see three courses of action Nissan could take with the Pathfinder:

1) Continue as "truck-based" model (bad move, all these models are not selling well as a whole... Explorer, Trailblazer, Durango.. all not doing well in the market)
2) Redesign on a stretched "D" platform as a CUV to compete with the Lambdas etc (smartest move imo)
3) Completely kill the Pathfinder with no replacement (bad move the Pathfinder name is well known)

The Pathfinder name would work well on a large "CUV" imo. They could advertise it as "shift_path" to highlight the fact that the Pathfinder is now more an on-road vehicle then an off-road one. If the Pathfinder went the CUV route then Nissan would have 3 crossovers in it's line-up.. small (Rogue) medium (Murano) and large (Pathfinder).

Over on the "truck" side of things, the Xterra would probably grow a little bit and the Armada could stay as is or even dare I say it.. be killed off.

[da99]

On a side note: Who would have thought we'd see the day when a GM product (in this case the Lambdas) is worth competing against?! Way to go GM, keep up the good work! Ford should take some lessons from you.

[watamensch]

Originally Posted by 4U4ME

but look at the current Murano and the new spy shots
look at after the C-piller, there is more space after the c-piller

I think that there's no third row, just a change in the angle of the rearmost window to cure the blindspot in the current model.

Any thoughts on a hybrid... like the Altima??

[Lichtronamo]

Originally Posted by da99

The next Xterra becomes the Pathfinder? Then what becomes the next Xterra? Personally I think both names are now pretty well established and it would be a mistake for Nissan to eliminate either one of them. I can only for-see three courses of action Nissan could take with the Pathfinder:

1) Continue as "truck-based" model (bad move, all these models are not selling well as a whole... Explorer, Trailblazer, Durango.. all not doing well in the market)
2) Redesign on a stretched "D" platform as a CUV to compete with the Lambdas etc (smartest move imo)
3) Completely kill the Pathfinder with no replacement (bad move the Pathfinder name is well known)

The Pathfinder name would work well on a large "CUV" imo. They could advertise it as "shift_path" to highlight the fact that the Pathfinder is now more an on-road vehicle then an off-road one. If the Pathfinder went the CUV route then Nissan would have 3 crossovers in it's line-up.. small (Rogue) medium (Murano) and large (Pathfinder).

Over on the "truck" side of things, the Xterra would probably grow a little bit and the Armada could stay as is or even dare I say it.. be killed off.

I agree #2 is the smartest move - I guess it just requires a different interpretation of what kind of "path" one is trying to "find(er)".

[montyz81]

Originally Posted by da99

Over on the "truck" side of things, the Xterra would probably grow a little bit and the Armada could stay as is or even dare I say it.. be killed off.

yes, how dare you say that. I need to replace my 04 Armada with a new one. Best car I have owned for doing my family hauling.

[Lichtronamo]

I don't understand why the Armada gets no respect - I think its the best looking of the full size SUVs.

[da99]

Don't get me wrong, I like the Armada. However from everything i've heard and read, it's been a troublesome vehicle for Nissan. Quality on the Armada (and it's twin the QX56) has been far from top notch and it hasn't sold as well as Nissan had hoped. Now, is that reason enough for Nissan to kill it? Maybe not, but with CAFE standards rising soon, Nissan may find it not worth the while to make the improvements needed to raise quality of the Armada and increase sales.

[RonSteinbach]

I expect to be able to post photos of the 2009 Murano on November 17th!

[idrive]

looks to me like they grabbed all the camo out of the "camo leftovers pile"...i dont see much of any difference in size of the rear pillar just the angle of the window, putting in a third row would be a tight squeeze and I think unneccessary considering its "sporting nature"

[2K2MaximaSErious]

Originally Posted by Lichtronamo

I don't understand why the Armada gets no respect - I think its the best looking of the full size SUVs.

No doubt, but how many of us really need a V8 mill, unless you tow something over 2000 lbs? Give me a Lambda-sized SUV with diesel power, 30+ mpg, and 0-60 in the 8's, and I will be happy.

[da99]

Originally Posted by RonSteinbach

I expect to be able to post photos of the 2009 Murano on November 17th!

*Marks Calendar*

[NissLover]

Originally Posted by RonSteinbach

I expect to be able to post photos of the 2009 Murano on November 17th!

Wait Wait, are you an insider too?!? How tis it possible?

[da99]

Originally Posted by NissLover

Wait Wait, are you an insider too?!? How tis it possible?

I did a little homework. The L.A. Auto Show runs from November 16th till the 25th this year. The "Press Days" are listed as being on the 14th and 15th. If the Murano is revealed at the show as expected, it will most likely occur during one of these two "Press Days". Thus, Ron would easily be able to post photos on the 17th.

[RonSteinbach]

Originally Posted by da99

I did a little homework. The L.A. Auto Show runs from November 16th till the 25th this year. The "Press Days" are listed as being on the 14th and 15th. If the Murano is revealed at the show as expected, it will most likely occur during one of these two "Press Days". Thus, Ron would easily be able to post photos on the 17th.

You ruined my fun!

[07G35S]

Make sure you grab a few pics of the (missing*) 3rd row

[da99]

Originally Posted by RonSteinbach

You ruined my fun!

LMAO sorry Ron.

[Lichtronamo]

Originally Posted by RonSteinbach

You ruined my fun!

Yeah, but welcome back!

[NissLover]

"In the first six months of 2007, Nissan launched seven all-new products worldwide: Altima coupe, G37 coupe, Atlas F24, Livina, Aprio, Rogue and X-Trail. During the remainder of 2007, a further four products will be added to the range with the GT-R, Murano, Infiniti EX and Frontier Navara Single Cab pickup."

So is the Murano going on sell before years end? All the cars listed will be. If so its kinda crazy that we have heard nothing about until just now with the pics above.

And Ron you had me going for a minute.