The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

 It bills itself as the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible.With its never seen before design and custom boutique style, the Murano CrossCabriolet is certainly unlike anything on the road - blending the upright stance of a crossover with the open air enjoyment of a convertible. You have to hand it to Nissan, the company certainly isn't afraid of testing the water. The transformation of the Murano body from Crossover to CrossCabriolet and from 4-door to 2-door meant more than just removing the top. Along with creating new front doors (7.9 inches longer than 4-door Murano front doors) and eliminating the B-pillars, the structure has been reinforced from the A-pillar rearward. The cloth convertible top also includes a rear glass skylight, helping create a wide-open interior environment even with the top in the closed position. Dual Pop-up Roll Bars are also standard. The coefficient of drag remains close to that of the hardtop Murano, just 0.39 Cd versus 0.37 Cd.
One of the keys to the CrossCabriolet's design's success is the convertible top's exceptionally compact size when stowed, which allows both additional interior and cargo volume (normally taken up by a traditional convertible stowage design). The hydraulically operated top mechanism includes an automatic power latch/unlatch system. Operation switches are located on the centre console and driver's door handle. With the top down, the stowed size is similar to that of a conventional 2-seat roadster. Boot capacity with the top down is 7.6 cubic feet, enough to fit two sets of golf clubs or two carry-on suitcases. With the top closed, cargo capacity expands to 12.3 cubic feet.
Along with the unique convertible top appearance, the Murano CrossCabriolet exterior also includes High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon projector headlights with auto on/off function, front fog lights and Nissan 370Z-inspired LED taillights.
Other features include body-coloured front and rear bumpers, chrome door handles, body-coloured dual power/heated outside mirrors, and rear window defroster with timer. Along with convertible style, the CrossCabriolet offers the high ground clearance of a Murano for easy ingress and egress and enhanced driver visibility.
The car's drivetrain is shared with the all-wheel drive hardtop Murano, starting with the proven "D" platform and standard 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC V6 petrol engine producing 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. Suffice to say, the car would probably require a diesel engine for Europe.
The advanced all-wheel drive system connects the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, yaw sensors, wheel slip sensors and steering angle sensors to distribute torque according to driving conditions.
The luxurious Murano CrossCabriolet interior starts with a foundation of the top-of-the-line Murano LE and takes it to the next level of standard features and convenience items. The tall windscreen and A-pillar design combines with the body's high beltline and high rear seat shoulders to help reduce conventional interior air turbulence with the top down, allowing conversation between occupants.
Premium materials are used throughout, with the standard leather-appointed seats available in a diagonally quilted premium leather, double-stitched pattern for added elegance. The long list of standard features includes 8-way power heated driver's seat with power lumbar support, 4-way manual heated front passenger seat with easy entry function, heated steering wheel, 2-position driver's seat memory system for seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, passenger seat easy entry release button on instrument panel for driver access, driver and front passenger seatback pocket, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition.
The distinctive Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is scheduled to go on sale in the USA in early 2011, although there are currently no definite plans to bring it to Europe.