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2009 Nisaan Murano (updated with MMC facelift)

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Old 08-24-10, 09:34 AM
  #76  
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Originally Posted by mikemareen
that's right!
and so predictable too.
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Old 08-24-10, 09:39 AM
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Originally Posted by mmarshall

I know not everyone will agree with me, but I see 20" wheels as simple overkill. IMO, they look awful on the Venza....they won't be any better on the Murano.
Yes as you said, most will not agree.

20" inch wheels on the Venza look great, being on a 4000 pound 3.5L V6 SUV, (but are not appropriate on a gutless VW Rabbit with OEM 15" wheels)

Back on topic, they look appropriate on the largish 4000 poiund Murano too. Tire profile (and rolling diameter) is plenty tall for dealing with potholes and frost-damaged roads.
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Old 08-24-10, 09:43 AM
  #78  
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20" wheels are always nice and make just about any car look better (depending on size of car).....but the biggest draw back to 20" wheels is the weight.

I'm sure these are not weight saving forged wheels.

Originally Posted by IS-SV
The 20" wheels are the best part, otherwise that 2011 front end is hardly an improvement.
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Old 08-24-10, 09:49 AM
  #79  
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Originally Posted by mikemareen
20" wheels are always nice and make just about any car look better (depending on size of car).....but the biggest draw back to 20" wheels is the weight.

I'm sure these are not weight saving forged wheels.
Yes, they are cast wheels, but the OEM setup of tire/wheels are designed for a good ride/handling balance in the case of the Venza and Murano. Weight is the downside but is partially offset by careful tire selection.

Therefore both of these SUVs have a decent ride and capable handling/braking for good active safety control. They are not sports cars but are plenty capable for safe handling/braking performance, unlike the SUV's of the past riding on crude/mushy/unsophisticated suspension systems and 70-75 series tires.

Even much smaller and lighter vehicles such as new Sportage ride on 18's today.
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Old 08-24-10, 09:52 AM
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how does the tire selection help ? would it be a smaller radius or just the manufacturer and it's use of quality rubber material ?

Originally Posted by IS-SV
Yes, they are cast wheels, but the OEM setup of tire/wheels are designed for a good ride/handling balance in the case of the Venza and Murano. Weight is the downside but is partially offset by careful tire selection.

Therefore both of these SUVs have a decent ride and capable handling/braking for good active safety control. They are not sports cars but are plenty capable for safe handling/braking performance, unlike the SUV's of the past riding on crude/mushy/unsophisticated suspension systems and 70-75 series tires.

Even much smaller and lighter vehicles such as new Sportage ride on 18's today.
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Old 08-24-10, 10:06 AM
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Originally Posted by mikemareen
how does the tire selection help ? would it be a smaller radius or just the manufacturer and it's use of quality rubber material ?
Tire selection helps (in relation to topic response) mainly to achieve acceptable overall tire and wheel weight.

Tire selection including careful automaker selection of brand/model/sizing/profile/ratings, or in some cases working with tire manufacturer on design of OEM tire.
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Old 08-24-10, 10:10 AM
  #82  
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so a lighter tire, stickier compound maybe ? that makes sense but I don't see how much lighter they can get a tire to make up for 10 lbs of extra wheel weight (average 17" wheel vs average 20" wheel both cast)

Originally Posted by IS-SV
Tire selection helps (in relation to topic response) mainly to achieve acceptable overall tire and wheel weight.

Tire selection including careful automaker selection of brand/model/sizing/profile/ratings, or in some cases working with tire manufacturer on design of OEM tire.
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Old 08-24-10, 10:14 AM
  #83  
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Originally Posted by mikemareen
so a lighter tire, stickier compound maybe ? that makes sense but I don't see how much lighter they can get a tire to make up for 10 lbs of extra wheel weight (average 17" wheel vs average 20" wheel both cast)
Yes, no way the total weight difference can be offset with tires, even if it's something less than 10 pounds (because 10 pounds is not the average for a wheel of same width).

But unsprung weight is more than just tire and wheel weight and modern SUV (that are not offroad capable) designs address that.
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Old 08-24-10, 11:22 AM
  #84  
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Weight doesn't matter on a vehicle already weighing 4000lbs with hardly any sporting intentions. 20" wheels on SUVs are fine. These are mall cars and they are for work. People that buy these don't care about the weight of wheels, most don't even care about the wheels.

The 20s really help the Murano but it comes on loaded 40k+ models which doesn't compute in my or my wifes brains.
 
Old 08-24-10, 12:44 PM
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I think the murano is a solid contender in its segment and the refresh looks great.
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Old 10-13-10, 10:17 PM
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Default 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*



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:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-...urano/#3288468

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the refreshed 2011 Nissan Murano Crossover SUV, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. For 2011, Murano receives a number of significant enhancements, including the addition of a new Murano SV trim level and the addition of the previous optional Premium, Leather, Moonroof and Technology Packages as standard equipment on the Murano SL.

Other refinements range from redesigned front grille, lower fascia and taillights to new 18-inch wheels on S, SV and SL models. Also added is one new exterior color, Graphite Blue, and the available Nissan Navigation System has been enhanced with XM NavTraffic®, XM NavWeather™ (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Zagat Survey® Restaurant Guide and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®.

Murano is again available in a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Every 2011 Murano comes equipped with a standard 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and Xtronic CVT™ transmission.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2011 Nissan Murano include:

Murano S FWD $28,500 USD
Murano SV FWD $31,910 USD
Murano SL FWD $35,450 USD
Murano LE FWD $37,540 USD
Murano S AWD $30,100 USD
Murano SV AWD $33,510 USD
Murano SL AWD $37,050 USD
Murano LE AWD $39,140 USD

About the 2011 Nissan Murano
The second generation Nissan Murano, introduced just two years ago, enters the 2011 model year with a refreshed grille and bumper design, new taillights, a new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design and a number of interior and content refinements – all intended to keep Murano's visually distinctive styling fresh and exciting. The contemporary exterior design combines with Murano's "mobile suite" interior, advanced technology and a refined, premium driving feel to create a modern crossover SUV like no other.

Two new models have been added to the 2011 lineup: SV FWD and SV AWD. They join the Murano S FWD, Murano S AWD, Murano SL FWD, Murano SL AWD, Murano LE FWD and Murano LE AWD to provide buyers with a wide range of equipment and features to match any need or budget.

All 2011 Muranos again feature a standard VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6, rated at 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, and an advanced Xtronic CVT™ that provides a sporty and smooth driving experience. Murano is available in front-wheel drive or with an Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system.

The most striking visual element of the 2011 Murano is once again its dramatic body, which imparts a "modern art" feel while still maintaining its distinctive "Murano-ness." The front end features a bold grille with new, revised design and wide front headlights, a wide hood that sweeps into the bodylines, powerful wheel arches and an aggressive stance with available 20-inch wheels. Murano's rear end features a unique rear glass shape, integrated rear roof spoiler, large redesigned rear LED taillights and dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers.

Murano is also offered with an available dual panel power sliding glass moonroof with 2nd row skylight, adding to its open, airy interior feeling. Inside, Murano offers high levels of warmth and luxury – with available wood and aluminum accents, a 60/40 fold-flat rear seat with power return, heated front and rear seats, power liftgate and RearView Monitor. Interior enhancements for 2011 include a new white meter color, new center stack colors and added equipment to various trim levels – driver's seat with power lumbar support (SV), RearView Monitor (SV), 7.0-inch color monitor (SV), auto dimming rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver (SL) and heated steering wheel (SL).

New audio and entertainment features range from the addition of standard iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System to SV models to a Bose® audio system with nine speakers plus dual subwoofers for SL models. Available technology also includes an advanced touch screen Nissan Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box™ hard drive.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/13/n...shed-cuv-to-s/
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Old 10-13-10, 10:25 PM
  #87  
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Disappointed that this car doesn't offer the same power train as the Maxima (290hp). That, and a lack of a "sport" mode. I do like the exterior lol. I think the Murano is still trying to live off of the first generations success in this segment. The Ford Edge is some seriously tough competition now.
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