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Just ahead of the 2017 Chicago International Auto Show, Nissan unveiled five new models that will sport the Midnight Edition label for 2017. Originally an option on just the Nissan Maxima SR, Nissan has added the trim to 5 more models in its lineup. Sentra, Altima Rogue, Pathfinder and Murano join the Maxima in this trim level. All Midnight Edition models will wear black wheels, black spoiler, black mirror caps, and have available special floormats. Sentra SR - Available on both SR and SR Turbo models, the Sentra SR Midnight Edition includes black 17-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, black mirror caps, black rear spoiler and available Midnight Edition floor mats. The package has an MSRP1 of $490 USD and is on sale now. Offered on both 2017 Sentra SR and SR Turbo models, the Sentra SR Midnight Edition includes black 17-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, black mirror caps, black rear spoiler and available Midnight Edition floor mats. The package has an MSRP1 of $490 USD and is on sale now. Altima SR Midnight Edition – Available on the 2017 Altima 2.5SR, the Altima SR Midnight Edition features black 18-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels and low-profile 235/45 R18 all-season tires, black mirror caps, black rear spoiler, LED headlights, remote engine start and available Midnight Edition floor mats. The package has an MSRP1 of $990 USD and is on sale now. Maxima SR Midnight Edition – Topping the Maxima SR, the sportiest of five available 2017 Maxima grade levels, the 2017 version of the Maxima SR Midnight Edition includes black 19-inch Midnight Black aluminum-alloy wheels, a black rear spoiler, rear diffuser, and available Midnight Edition floor mats. The package is offered in a choice of Pearl White, Coulis Red, Gun Metallic and the original Super Black. The package is on sale now with an MSRP1 of $1,195 USD. Rogue Midnight Edition – Rogue, Nissan’s best-selling nameplate, gets the Midnight Edition treatment with black 17-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, black mirror caps and available Midnight Edition floor mats. It also adds black roof rails, black cross bars, black splash guards, rear bumper protector and illuminated kick plates. Offered on Rogue SV grade, the Midnight Edition package has an MSRP1 of $990 USD and goes on sale in March 2017. Murano Midnight Edition – Like Rogue, the 2017.5 Murano Special Edition package adds strong visual impact to one of Nissan’s fastest growing models. Offered on the Platinum grade level, it includes exclusive black 20-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, black roof rails, black mirror caps, black splash guards and available Midnight Edition floor mats. It is offered in a choice of Pearl White, Cayenne Red, Gun Metallic and Magnetic Black. The package has an MSRP1 of $1,195 USD and is on sale now. Pathfinder Midnight Edition – The Pathfinder Midnight Edition features exclusive black 20-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, black mirror caps, black spoiler, black splash guards, illuminated kick plates, chrome rear bumper protector and available Midnight Edition floor mats. The package has an MSRP of $1,195 USD1 and is available now. Click follow all 2017 Chicago Auto Show News. Source: Nissan Media View full article

Nissan's first attempt at a hybrid crossover - the Pathfinder Hybrid - was a disaster in terms of sales and was pulled from the lineup last year. But the Japanese automaker is giving it another try. Car and Driver discovered that the EPA reveal the existence of a Murano Hybrid by publishing fuel economy numbers for the front and all-wheel drive versions. Nissan currently sells the Murano Hybrid in China where it uses a 2.5L supercharged four-cylinder and electric motor, the same powertrain found in the Pathfinder Hybrid. For those interested, the Murano Hybrid is rated at 28 City/31 Highway/29 Combined for the front-wheel drive model and 26 City/30 Highway/28 Combined for the all-wheel drive model. Nissan wouldn't comment if the Murano Hybrid is coming to America. But considering the EPA has certified it, there is a chance it will come. Source: Car and Driver, EPA View full article

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan Group today announced total U.S. sales for February 2016 of 130,911 units, an increase of 11 percent over the prior year and a February record. February 2016 February 2015 % Change Nissan Group Total sales (units) 130,911 118,436 +10.5 Nissan Division sales 120,540 106,777 +12.9 Infiniti sales* 10,371 11,659 -11.0 Nissan highlights: Nissan Division finished February with 120,540 sales, up 13 percent and also a February record. Sales of the Sentra compact sedan increased 34 percent to 20,599, setting a February record. Nissan Maxima sales climbed to 5,222, up 128%. Overall sales of Nissan crossovers, trucks and SUVs set a February record, up 14 percent. Sales of the Rogue compact crossover set a February record at 21,561, up 1 percent. Sales of the Pathfinder SUV set a February record at 7,244, up 3 percent. Sales of the Murano crossover increased 86 percent to 7,445. Nissan's total car sales set a February record with 69,630 in sales, up 12 percent. *Infiniti sales total included for reference. For more information on Infiniti's February sales performance, please visit InfinitiNews.com. NOTE: To ensure consistency in global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days. Both February 2016 and February 2015 had 24 selling days. NISSAN DIVISION FEBRUARY FEBRUARY Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2016 2015 % chg 2016 2015 % chg Nissan Division Total 120,540 106,777 12.9 217,760 201,226 8.2 Versa 12,249 11,909 2.9 20,255 22,455 -9.8 Sentra 20,599 15,354 34.2 36,743 29,749 23.5 Cube 7 122 -94.3 10 278 -96.4 Altima 28,320 28,474 -0.5 50,476 54,882 -8.0 Maxima 5,222 2,290 128.0 9,637 4,434 117.3 LEAF 930 1,198 -22.4 1,685 2,268 -25.7 Juke 1,863 2,183 -14.7 3,373 4,184 -19.4 370Z 410 560 -26.8 768 1,008 -23.8 GT-R 30 118 -74.6 96 219 -56.2 Total Car 69,630 62,208 11.9 123,043 119,477 3.0 Frontier 6,834 6,106 11.9 13,197 11,974 10.2 Titan 1,060 816 29.9 1,997 1,590 25.6 Xterra 10 1,016 -99.0 28 2,014 -98.6 Pathfinder 7,244 7,066 2.5 13,695 13,204 3.7 Armada 1,093 990 10.4 1,867 2,019 -7.5 Rogue 21,561 21,419 0.7 41,323 37,068 11.5 Murano 7,445 4,005 85.9 12,961 7,778 66.6 Quest 2,566 676 279.6 3,987 1,384 188.1 NV 1,434 1,188 20.7 2,726 2,247 21.3 NV200 1,663 1,287 29.2 2,936 2,471 19 Total Truck 50,910 44,569 14.2 94,717 81,749 15.9 INFINITI FEBRUARY FEBRUARY Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2016 2015 % chg 2016 2015 % chg Infiniti Total 10,371 11,659 -11.0 18,885 21,317 -11.4 Infiniti Q40 16 1,643 -99.0 26 2,672 -99.0 Infiniti Q50 3,364 3,649 -7.8 6,278 6,615 -5.1 Infiniti Q60 172 346 -50.3 304 812 -62.6 Infiniti Q70 494 707 -30.1 986 1,334 -26.1 Infiniti QX50 1,396 177 688.7 2,390 365 554.8 Infiniti QX60 2,730 2,985 -8.5 5,102 5,562 -8.3 Infiniti QX70 712 569 25.1 1,148 1,126 2.0 Infiniti QX80 1,487 1,583 -6.1 2,651 2,831 -6.4 Total Car 4,046 6,345 -36.2 7,594 11,433 -33.6 Total Truck 6,325 5,314 19.0 11,291 9,884 14.2 NISSAN GROUP FEBRUARY FEBRUARY Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2016 2015 % chg 2016 2015 % chg TOTAL VEHICLE 130,911 118,436 10.5 236,645 222,543 6.3 Total Car 73,676 68,553 7.5 130,637 130,910 -0.2 Total Truck 57,235 49,883 14.7 106,008 91,633 15.7 Selling days 24 24 48 50

Three weeks ago, at the New York International Auto Show, Nissan unveiled the 2015 Murano. The Murano has always been a crossover with more curvaceous lines than the rest of its peers and this new version is no exception. As it was so soon after the NY Auto Show, I was caught off guard today during a trip from Indianapolis, IN to Columbus, OH by these two 2015 Murano prototypes cruising on I-70 with no camouflage. The silver one looked fairly complete and wearing all of its trim, while the black one had clearly been taped up with plastic previously and was missing several exterior trim pieces. You can clearly see the “floating roof” treatment that Nissan is trying out with this model by blacking out part of the D-pillar. The 2015 Murano will be powered by a carryover 3.5 liter VQ-V6 producing 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. An updated version of Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission will contribute to the reported 20% gain in fuel economy over the existing model. The 2015 Nissan Murano goes on sale late this year. click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge View full article

Let's go back in time, say about 2002 or so. It was then that Nissan introduced the Murano crossover and started a movement, A movement that cause many automakers to start building crossovers and proving that you don't need to make a SUV/Crossover look like a box. Well Nissan hopes to continue that movement with the third-generation Murano, which makes its official debut this week at the New York Auto Show. The third-generation Murano's design is very much in line with the Resonance Concept shown at last year's Detroit Auto Show. The front end has a toned-down version of the "V-Motion" nose and the boomerang-shaped headlights. Another design cue carried over from the Resonance Concept is the "floating" roof which is pulled off by Nissan designers blacking-out the D-pillars. One other item about the third-generation Murano's design; the body now has a 0.31 coefficient of drag, which means the new model is about sixteen percent more aerodynamic than the outgoing model. Moving to the interior, Nissan has really separated the Murano from the new Pathfinder and Rogue crossovers. The design theme is a "upscale social lounge" (were not sure what it means either). Materials look to be much more premium, while the dashboard and center console have been lowered to improve visibility and the feeling of space. The Murano still has seating for five people, but now features a larger cargo area. There is also a larger panoramic moonroof. Power will be the same as the previous Murano; the venerable 3.5L VQ V6 with 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. Nissan's latest version of the Xtronic continually variable transmission will route the power to either the front or all four wheels. Fuel economy figures haven't been released, but the company does say the new model will see a 20 percent improvement. The 2015 Murano will become the ninth vehicle built at Nissan's Canton, Mississippi plant and hits dealers sometime in the fourth quarter of this year. Source: Nissan Press Release is on Page 2 2015 Nissan Murano Press Kit: Overview 2015 Nissan Murano Resets The Standard In The Midsize Crossover Segment With Breakthrough Design, Premium Interior And Purposeful Technology Third generation of Nissan's popular flagship crossover symbolizes Nissan's design-led product and brand renaissance Murano styling delivers bold Resonance Concept's refined intensity exterior and social lounge interior Carries forward new Nissan design direction with V-Motion front end, boomerang lights, floating roof treatment and efficient aerodynamics All-new Murano arrives in Nissan showrooms in late 2014 The first-generation Nissan Murano had a profound impact on the SUV market when it was introduced for the 2003 model year. In addition to being one of the first crossovers on the market, it offered a fresh design sensibility that combined an elegant style with premium features – without a luxury price tag. Murano quickly attracted a loyal, enthusiastic owner base and remained a "class of one" as other manufacturers scrambled to catch up. The second-generation Murano, introduced for model year 2009, maintained its strong position as the halo vehicle for Nissan crossovers – even as new Nissan SUVs like the bold JUKE sports crossover, all-new unibody Pathfinder and compact Rogue joined the product portfolio. When it came time to consider an all-new third generation, Murano had a high standard to meet – its own. So while the original was inspired by the elegance of the famed Italian Murano glassware from which the model took its name, the third-generation took its cues from the future, expressed in the form of the Nissan Resonance Concept vehicle. A Concept Brought to the Showroom "At Nissan, we create concept vehicles with an eye toward production, rather than just for entertaining auto show audiences," said Andy Palmer, chief planning officer and executive vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "Likely few people who saw Resonance in its North American International Auto Show debut imagined that we could build such a futuristic design. But here it is, ready to hit Nissan showrooms less than 24 months later." Though one was conceptual and the other production-based, Resonance and the new Murano were created on parallel tracks – with shared design themes and key attributes such as their boomerang lights and unique floating roof treatment. Like the first-generation Murano, the 2015 version is a highly sculptural, highly emotional design – one that once again stands out in a field known more for uniformity and utility-based styling. "Murano owners live in an environment – home, work and car – that is beautiful, well-designed and efficiently run. They are social and embrace technology," said Palmer. "The new Murano had to embrace all of these values, while also taking a major leap forward in terms of its 'Wow' factor." Working to capture the breathtaking spirit and artistry of the first Murano, the designers began by concentrating on the new vehicle's sculptural qualities. Breaking the usual order of sketching, computer renderings and then clay modeling, the Murano team started working with small three-dimensional clay forms – literally exploring organic shapes and volumes with mini desktop sculptures. The process helped narrow down a new Nissan design direction focused on lightness and efficiency. A Lightness of Form "One of the central constructs for both the exterior and interior of the new Murano was to 'elevate your experience,' which is counterintuitive to the heaviness and chunkiness of the traditional sport utility vehicle," said Nakamura. "This helped inspire the push for leading-edge aerodynamic and three key elements of our future designs – the V-Motion front end, signature lighting and the 'floating' roofline." In keeping with the idea of futuristic travel, the designers sought to create a gravity-like power to pull viewers into the design visually, while defying gravity with a lightness of form through the use of glass and flowing lines. The prominent glass areas of the first-generation Murano were retained and expanded with the new design, including the use of its jet-inspired roof and D-pillars that appear disconnected from the roof that help visually lighten the cabin. The result is a unique floating feeling that can be recognized from very far away. Another key element is the continued refinement of the boomerang-style headlights and taillights, which were originally introduced on the Nissan 370Z. For use with the new Murano, the shapes were slimmed and pushed to extremes to look like they flow with the wind. "The lights' LED Daytime Running Light accents are instantly recognizable at night. While becoming a Murano signature, they were an engineering challenge," explained Nakamura. The available LED headlights, while providing excellent efficiency and durability (versus halogen and xenon lights), required extensive tuning to refine the shape and light intensity. The design of the standard LED taillights had to be balanced with the required crossover utility, with the final shape seamlessly integrated into the rear glass, conveying a high-tech quality. Murano's sculptural bodysides also created an engineering challenge, especially in the strong curvature of the rear fender stampings. While similar in dimensions to the previous generation Muranos, the new design is slightly lower, wider and longer, enhancing the aerodynamics while not compromising the desired crossover height and stance. The lower rocker panels offer a balance of aerodynamics and ruggedness. Other critical details, such as the grille shutter, fender lip moldings, rear bumper surfacing, rear tire deflectors and integrated rear spoiler help achieve a more than 16 percent improvement in overall aerodynamics (versus the previous generation design). "The designers and engineers invested three times the normal wind tunnel testing of the new Murano to get to its 0.31 coefficient of drag, on par with many sports cars," added Nakamura. A New Way to Travel "Beyond the sense of elegant style and premium features, owners of the first two generations often tell us about the 'effortlessness of Murano' – the great front view, the low instrument panel, the comfort and ease of operation. These are all things we kept and exaggerated in the new model," said Nakamura. The exterior theme of futuristic travel and refined intensity continue throughout the Murano interior, starting the moment the doors are opened with its available advanced lighting system, open and comfortable feeling and use of premium materials. Continuing the idea of a concept car brought to production, the new Murano shares the look and feel of the Resonance. The upscale social lounge interior, for example, creates an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. The instrument panel height is lower than previous Muranos. Centered between the outer wings is a large information and control center with an available 8.0-inch color display with multi-touch control. Keeping with the idea of "beauty with simplicity," the number of audio and navigation switches has been reduced by 60 percent – from 25 to 10 – for a more user-friendly experience. "We've learned from personal electronics that consumers aren't always looking for devices that do more, they just want it done better," said Nakamura. "People rarely read the directions for their smartphone because they know intuitively how to operate them. We believe vehicles should behave the same way – it's a new and better way to travel." Adding to the driver's sense of connectedness with security is Nissan's Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display, an enhanced version of the popular instrument panel feature offered in the new Altima and Pathfinder. For use in the new Murano, it includes a number of new features, including a 7.0-inch high-resolution color display. Available audio systems include an advanced Bose® design with 11 speakers (including dual subwoofers), HD Radio® and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately). Also offered are NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps. Nissan's advanced NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats are standard for front and rear outboard occupants. The rear seats are a three-cushion design, a first for a Nissan vehicle. Climate-controlled seats (heating and cooling) are available in front, along with available Quick Comfort™ heated rear seats. Other interior features include standard Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control and Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, along with available leather-appointed seating, heated steering wheel, steering wheel position memory, driver's seat and outside mirror memory, power folding rear seats and Remote Engine Start with Intelligent Climate Control. Overhead, the available Power Panoramic Moonroof enhances the open, airy feeling. The moonroof has a 40 percent longer sliding length and 29 percent larger opening than the previous generation design. It is projected to be among the largest moonroofs in the segment. Conversation between front and rear occupants is encouraged by the new Murano's "communication alley" created by the wide, low center console. The console also includes a compartment for rear occupants' smartphone. There is also an available USB port for the rear seats that allows for control of music and display, along with ample storage areas and compartments throughout the interior. "We want everyone to feel like they are being taken care of, not just the driver. It's a continuation of the social lounge theme introduced in the Resonance Concept – a place you want to share with friends," added Nakamura. "Of course, not to be overlooked is Murano's crossover versatility, which is why the segment has become so popular in the first place." The new Murano's cargo area has been reconfigured (versus the previous generation) to provide a projected best storage space in the segment (with seats up). The rear cargo area, for example, accommodates four large suitcases, while the rear seats fold flat for greater cargo convenience. With the easy rear seat release and available power rear seat return, Murano converts from people hauler to cargo ship or back within seconds. All configurations can be done from the back, with no walking to each door. Standard 3.5-liter V6 and an Extra Set of Eyes The 2015 Murano will be available at launch with a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Also standard is an advanced Xtronic transmission tuned for quick response and smoothness. Fuel economy is projected to be enhanced by approximately 20 percent versus the current generation Murano, due to the approximate 130-pound overall weight reduction, enhanced aerodynamics and engine/transmission efficiencies. Like the previous generation, the new Murano will offer responsive handling and a comfortable ride through use of a 4-wheel independent suspension featuring a front strut/rear multi-link design. Also standard are 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Sporty 18-inch or 20-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels are also available. The 2015 Murano is offered in front-wheel drive or intuitive all-wheel drive. "While driving a new Murano is designed to be an exciting social experience, we also intend it to be a safe one," said Andy Palmer, chief planning officer and executive vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "We've given Murano 'an extra set of eyes' – a suite of advanced safety features designed to help look out for you." The new Murano incorporates up to four onboard cameras (front, rear, two side) and three radar systems (one front, two side) to provide input to a range of available technologies, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) and Intelligent Cruise Control. The new Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) system utilizes radar to detect a vehicle approaching from either side of the Murano when backing out of a parking space. Parking a new Murano is made easier with the available class-exclusive Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, which is designed to reduce the normal complexity of parallel parking by giving an all-around view of the surrounding area from front, rear and side cameras. The system is not just for parallel parking, however, helping view the vehicle's placement in pull-in spots, garages and against curbs. The Moving Object Detection (MOD) system helps the driver to detect moving objects such as shopping carts or strollers when backing out via an on-screen notification and warning chime. Murano also includes as standard the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, front-seat mounted side-impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor and driver's seat knee air bag. "With advanced, purposeful technology designed to keep you safe and connected, along with its refined everyday driving experience, this all-new Murano adds the solid substance to go with its unmatched emotional style," said Palmer. A Range of Models, Now Assembled in America The 2015 Nissan Murano will be offered in four grade levels when it goes on sale in late 2014: S, SV, SL and Platinum. Each is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The new Murano also becomes the first Murano (and the ninth vehicle) assembled in Nissan's Canton, Mississippi plant, which is the most diverse facility by number of models in Nissan's North American network. The Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant becomes the global source for Murano production, creating export opportunities to more than 100 markets. Murano will be assembled on the same line as Xterra, Frontier, Titan and Armada. "Murano resets the standard in class once again," concluded Palmer. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 17, 2013 Automobile magazine had a chance to talk with Nissan's executive vice president, Andy Palmer at the Detroit Auto Show. Palmer gave some details about what is coming down the pipe within the next few years. Starting with the Nissan Resonance concept, Palmer says the concept is "close" to what the next-generation Murano will look like. “It’s a true expression of what we believe the next, third-generation Murano should look like. We need to wow and awe again,” Palmer said. One Murano model that won't be returning for the next generation is the CrossCabriolet. “It was an experiment. It was an expression of our ability to express ourselves, it was a designer’s expression of what you can do. Successful or not, I think it’s very memorable, so it didn’t do us any harm,” said Palmer. The Resonance concept also has certain design elements like the deep-V front grille and “floating” roof treatment, will be used on other Nissans to improve the family resemblance. “If you look at the industry, you have the corporate grille, right?” he says. “But you don’t see a lot of expression on side views… [A common look] should go right the way through the exterior and the interior." Palmer says the Resonance concept's hybrid powertrain (2.5L inline-four, two clutches, a continuously variable transmission, and an electric motor) will be used in the Altima, Pathfinder, and next-gen Murano. Palmer didn't give an date as to when the vehicles will debut, only saying they would arrive within the next couple of years. Palmer also said the company will out more hybrid vehicles. “We’ll launch 15 Nissan hybrids by 2016.” Don't expect Nissan to go hybrid crazy. Palmer says Nissan is “agnostic” about hybrids, but is “fanatical” about full-electrics like the Leaf. Source: Automobile Magazine William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article