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Ahead of its planned LA Auto Show debut, Nissan's 2009 Murano is doing the sneak preview thing courtesy of the NICOclub forums where these pics originated. They've since been posted on GM Inside News and
FreshAlloy.com, as well. Clearly not wanting to mess with success, the CUV's general overall shape, as well as that of its side glass, is fundamentally the same. The '09 gets more muscular, Rouge-ish wheel flares, taillamps that extend into the rear hatch, and a new front end that makes silver Muranos look kinda like the updated Cyclon centurions from Battlestar Galactica. We don't get a good view of the passenger cabin, other than to see a panoramic roof is obviously an option. Hopefully the current car's chintzy-looking gauge cluster got flushed in the revamp, too.
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The grill and head lights blending look very weird. It's going to take time for me to swallow this one.

Looks pretty much what you'd expect a Nissan crossover/SUV to look like.

M

From TheCarConnection:





One of the more important vehicles at this week's Los Angeles auto show will be the new 2009 Nissan Murano, a second-generation crossover making its first public showing before its on-sale date early next year.

The new Murano carries the torch of the first generation in terms of size, power, and particularly in looks. A smoother, tauter rendition of the shape that made its debut with the original vehicle in 2003, the new Murano looks even more balanced and aggressive than its predecessor. The wider hood and available 20-inch wheels give it a beefier stance, while new LED taillamps and a second-row skylight give it the feel of business-class transportation, Nissan hints.

The Murano's interior gets an equally impressive makeover, with a much richer-appearing interior and plenty of updated hardware. A pushbutton start system is standard, while options include Intelligent Key, a Bose audio system, a DVD navigation system coupled to a 9.3GB music hard drive. An iPod connectivity kit is standard on LE models. Wood and aluminum trim are available as options, as are heated front and back seats, a power liftgate, and a rearview camera. The standard audio system includes a six-disc changer and an auxiliary jack.

In terms of hardware, the new Murano covers much of the same territory as before. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions are offered. Both come only with Nissan's 265-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, and side and curtain airbags are standard.

The Murano shares its architecture, again, with the new Altima sedan. Five models will be offered: S and SL with front- or all-wheel drive; and the LE, which is only offered in all-wheel drive.


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The front is definitely wierd and will take some getting used too.

M

That front is just hideous; the rest has a been there, seen that feel to it. Not impressed at all.

The front does have a Mad Max sorta look to it.

M

Don't like it.

Nothing special. The interior isn't bad. I wonder if Infiniti owners are annoyed that their navigation system is the same in a $20,000 nissan.

The interior seems much improved... but that front is just FUGLY!

Disgusting. Looks like a Toyota/Hyundai cross with a helping from Nissan's plastic parts bin.