Full Test: 2009 Nissan Murano LE

post by Chris Walton, Chief Road Test Editor

As the 2009 Nissan Murano proves, Nissan figured out this whole crossover thing before the rest of us. It's pretty uncommon for a vehicle to actually gather increasing steam when it comes to sales as it gets older, but the Murano has done exactly that. Introduced as a 2004 model, sales of the Nissan Murano have climbed every year since then, reaching 81,000 units in 2006. Apparently this enthusiasm for car-based crossover utilities is some kind of trend, you think? Evolution, Not Revolution

Now that the Murano has developed a loyal following, Nissan has been careful to evolve, improve and upgrade the all-new 2009 Murano without compromising the things responsible for its success. As we see it, these things have been the Murano's untraditional exterior style, its ample second-row accommodations and its engaging driving dynamics.

A quick look at reader reviews shows that current Nissan Murano owners confirm our assessment, but they would also like to see better interior materials, a more responsive transmission, an auxiliary input jack (among other electronic conveniences) and a larger cargo area. Beneath the 2009 Nissan Murano is the same recently upgraded platform that already supports the 2008 Nissan Altima, and that's a good thing.

The 2009 Murano's version of the VQ-Series 3.5-liter V6 that's part of the Altima package now delivers 265 horsepower instead of 240, while its fuel economy of 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway remains the same now that there's been a change in the EPA's methodology.

As before, the Murano continues to feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a choice that seemed misguided in 2004 but has since proven to be a stroke of genius now that gasoline prices are off the scale.

The 2009 Murano gets the Altima's latest-generation Xtronic CVT with its sophisticated adaptive shift control (ASC) software. The ASC dictates when and where an infinite number of "shifts" occur, and the shift-control software also has quickened shift speed by 30 percent. As a result, the reactions of the CVT are so good that Nissan decided that it is unnecessary to offer a manual-shift mode with this CVT — and we totally agree.

Cheshire Cat No MoreHaving acquired a solid platform and capable powertrain from its Nissan stablemates, the biggest challenge for the 2009 Murano has been the evolution of the already eye-catching, curvaceous exterior styling into an all-new body that would still be recognized as a Murano. Its signature grille-dominated face has been further developed with a new grille that incorporates multi-element headlamp clusters with optional HIDs.

We like the arrangement not just because it comes off less like the Cheshire Cat's grin than it did before, but also because it's easy to get a face wrong by going either too far (Acura MDX) or not far enough (Hyundai Veracruz). On the inside, the 2009 Murano could be mistaken for an Infiniti, especially our top-tier LE all-wheel-drive model, which is new for the model year. The low-volume sport-tuned SE model has been eliminated, while the S and SL remain. Upgraded InteriorAll of the interior materials are exceptionally good, the colors and textures are pleasing and the overall design is richer and far more attractive than before.

But Nissan hasn't stopped there. Since it was introduced nearly five years ago, the Murano has been a little behind in terms of up-to-date infotainment, so Nissan has conducted an electronics makeover. Key optional equipment now includes Bose audio with 11 speakers; XM Satellite Radio; a genuine iPod interface (standard on LE, and it's one of the best we've used); Bluetooth connectivity; a rear-seat DVD system with a 9-inch drop-down screen; and of course Nissan's 20GB hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic plus 9.3GB of memory allotted for music storage.

The Murano LE also makes a major statement with its range of optional convenience features, including intelligent key, rearview monitor, heated front and rear seats, dual-panel moonroof, xenon headlamps and power liftgate.

Standard equipment on all 2009 Muranos now includes push-button ignition; tilt-telescoping steering wheel (manual on S and SL, powered with memory on LE); AM/FM and six-CD changer audio system with six speakers (up from four) and an auxiliary input jack with MP3/WMA capability; and lever-released 60/40-fold-flat rear seatbacks with power return (standard on SL and LE). Sumptuous and well-contoured front and rear seats complete the package.

By refusing to give in to the trend toward three-row seating, the Murano has been able to maintain class-leading accommodations for the second-row rear passengers.

With our high-zoot LE, even the rear passengers enjoy heated seats. A high level of equipment plus a pleasant overall ambience help elevate the Murano from stylistic curiosity to competitive player in the near-lux class for crossovers. But good looks and fancy electronics go only so far.

Good PerformanceAt the test track, the powerful 2009 Murano LE accelerates to 60 mph in 8 seconds flat, while its capable four-wheel disc brakes stop it from 60 mph in just 122 feet. These performance figures place it near the top of its class. When it comes to handling at the limit, the 4,135-pound Murano circles the skid pad (unimpeded by the stability control, which can't be shut off completely) with 0.79g in lateral grip. Weaving through the slalom field, however, awoke the safety system and it allowed only a pass at 59.2 mph.

A reengineered suspension with lightweight aluminum pieces and a new steering system also make the Murano a willing and surprisingly communicative partner in daily driving. No doubt the combination of these chassis upgrades and a new predictive (not reactive) all-wheel-drive system (first introduced by the 2008 Nissan Rogue) contribute to the Murano's genuine agility and overall feel of predictability. And, contrary to what some might expect from the newly available 20-inch rolling stock (LE model), the 235/50TR20 Toyo Proxes A20 tires don't degrade the ride either.

Cargo space seems to be the only area where Nissan has been unable to improve the Murano. The volume itself has shrunk fractionally, so Nissan has added convenience. There's a nifty pop-up grocery organizer first seen in the Rogue, as well as one-pull rear-seat releases in the cargo bay. The rear seats motor back into place with the push of a button either on the dashboard or next to the release lever in the rear.

A Compelling CrossoverPrices have yet to be announced, but expect a base front-wheel-drive 2009 Nissan Murano S to start at just over $28,000 and a fully loaded Murano LE AWD to bump its well-equipped head on the $40,000 ceiling.

This attractive array of models and prices, plus all of the substantial upgrades throughout the model range, should ensure the second-generation Murano continued success for at least another four years.

Nissan seemed to be taking a wild chance on an unproven market segment when it first introduced the Murano back in 2004, but now we've all realized that it was jumping into the future.

The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.

White Flash: Edo Competition 599/630 GTB

post by Alex Nunez

The sorcerers at Germany's Edo Competition have cast their spells on the Ferrari 599 GTB, and as usual, the results are impressive. The Edo Competition GTB comes in two flavors, but let's cover the common ground, first. The car gets lowered 40mm in back, 40 mm in front, and gets added stick courtesy of an Edo/KW adjustable sport suspension. 20" wheels with stainless outer rims can be custom-painted in any shade the owner desires, and the V12's song is newly amplified thanks to a sport exhaust with a driver-controllable butterfly valve.

Want it to be louder? Just dial it up, baby. Of course, the most important piece of the puzzle is the 6.0L Enzo-derived V12 under that long hood. In stock trim, it blasts out 620 horsepower. Edo customers can opt for the Level 1 "F599 GTB" engine upgrade, which combines intake and exhaust work with ECU reprogramming to boost output to 650 horses. Those with deeper pockets and/or looking for a more extreme level of tune can opt for the Level 2 "630 GTB" package. This elevates the Ferrari's power levels from the sublime to the ridiculous thanks to a 6.3L FXX engine conversion. Edo estimates 750 HP for the Level 2 option, which is, you know, not bad.

SEMA 2007: Chrysler Barracuda?

Posted by Alex Nunez


OK, let's set a few things straight about this right off the bat. We have no details other than the photos you see here, which are posted at CarDomain and were sent in via a tipster. It's parked with the other SEMA Chryslers and looks for all the world like a factory 'Cuda concept based on the LX platform shared by the Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Chrysler 300. Now, let's go into 100% speculation mode.

If it's a real Chrysler concept, logic would dictate that it's based on the Challenger (2-door body style and all) and is therefore propelled by some HEMI variant under its shaker hood. A look inside reveals a stock Chrysler interior, save for the pistol-grip shifter, and a closer inspection of the steering wheel reveals a badge that looks like it represents something other than Chrysler or Dodge, which means that this could just as likely be an one-off show car from some undetermined builder

We hope that's not the case, and that it's really a tease to gauge interest in a possible Barracuda production car, but something that important would likely be unveiled at one of the big public shows. A modern HEMI Cuda would be awesome, but until we get some kind of confirmation on what this thing is, we won't hold our breath. One of the reasons we remain skeptical is that our party-crashing buddy, Ray from Jalopnik, is currently skulking about the show floor, snapping pics during setup. If this was an actual Chrysler Barracuda concept, he'd have probably posted on it by now. In any case, the Autoblog SEMA crew will be on-site tomorrow, and they'll be able to let us know if this is really something to get excited about or not.

UPDATE: According to commenter "Burningman," it's a one-off, carbon fiber-bodied, Charger-based custom for a private customer. No word on what shop did the project.

Thanks for the tip, Maestro1!

[Source: CarDomain]