Nissan Murano convertible confirmed for US launch: report

By Tim Beissmann | August 25th, 2010

Nissan North America has confirmed it will introduce a two-door convertible version of the Nissan Murano SUV, most likely early next year.

Set to become the world’s first production-scale soft top SUV, the two-door creation was previewed earlier this month by a group of US dealers in Las Vegas, where one described it to US publication Automotive News as “kind of unusual”.

The convertible Murano is expected to make its debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Nissan North America senior vice president for sales and marketing, Brian Carolin, told Automotive News he expects the new model to surprise a lot of people.

“It’s not going to be a volume car. But there’s a degree of bravery for us to bring out a car like that right now,” Mr Carolin said.

Very little is known about the vehicle so far, but it is believed the convertible Murano could be in line for first- or second-quarter launch in 2011, possibly in line with the start of spring in the US.

James007

The answer to a question nobody asked.

nickdl

It’s as pointless as a condom for the pope…

xnov

i hate australian cars

AB

Looks like a big PT Cruiser Cabrio!

NotTheStig

You beat me to it !!!

Opelman

And me

Martin

It’s certainly more interesting…
http://www.facebook.com/sammo.8191 Sam Moss

You’ve got to be kidding me…Is this some sort of a joke??

Baddass

Oh it’s gotta be! Why, for any other reason than to be the first of its kind, would Nissan think this is a good idea? And if making a soft-top SUV was a must, why base it on the yummy-mummy, large SUV Murano rather than the already edgy Juke? An absolutely stupid move.

I know it’s unwise to predict the future, but I reckon this will go down the same path as the Renault Avantime and Vel Satis, as well as the Suzuki X90. Sure the X6 is very bold, but it’s good to drive and lives up to the brand’s image. How many degrees of body flex is this going to have, I wonder. Not only is it an SUV, but it has no roof!

Steve-Poyza

Unlike this, I like the Avantime and Vel Satis. Those poor, beautiful cars.

http://volkswagen Mal

I agree
Yonny

Yes! The Avantime and the Vel Satis were interesting cars – would love to own one (of each).

Dunno about the Murano convertible though – it looks like the Jolly Green Giant’s car.

Dave

I bet BMW are upset they did not think of this first.

Dear

IT’S SICK!! :O (In a good way)
JEKYL & HYDE

and the award for “least likely convertable” goes too…..
Andrew

I suspect there’s a reason they’re not showing us the back.
Jimmy

“It’s not going to be a volume car. But there’s a degree of bravery for us to bring out a car like that right now,” Mr Carolin said.

How long has bravery been a synonym for stupidity? I suspect Mr Carolin will be looking for a new job next year.

Honestly though, what are they thinking? Doesn’t seem like the smartest idea considering the perilous economic situation in United States right now.
Nicholas

All the “Sports Utility Vehicle” you could want without any of the “Utility” (and no doubt lacking in the “Sports” as well). How embarrassingly small will the luggage compartment be?

Larry

The Murano shares a bit of the running gear from the Z series cars, so could surprise in the performance department.
Baddass

Well put Nick. For an SUV, it isn’t sporty or useful, which leaves just vehicle. And if you only want a vehicle, there are far better choices than this. Oh dear…

Arthur

Bravery? Why dont they throw some cash on the tiida turd project instead… That car could use some bravery
Luke Skywalker

And people complain about BMW and Audi bringing out niche cars…

Nissan have confirmed that they are targeting current PT Cruiser Cabrio and Suzuki X90 owners who are looking to upgrade.
Duckula

We all wondered where the designer from SsangYong had been hiding, me thinks we have found out who his new employer is… all it needs is Lindsay Lohan to own one, and its SURE to be a huge winner..haha
http://zuboora.com Mohamad is right when he

“I let u lick the UGLY STICK!!”
David

What next – a Prado cabrio? It is ridiculous.
Charles

Nissan will soon take the mantle of world’s ugliest car off Ssangyong. This + Nissan Juke = puke
Homer

Made in America for Americans. Obese,ugly, pointless, loud, zero functionality, classless, environmental guzzler and the car’s pretty bad too. In a country where the F100 series Ford Pick Up truck is the no.1 selling vehicle, say no more!
moi

Only in America. If the yanks have enough diposable income to buy trucks like this, then their economy cannot be too bad!
CS

Obviously designed by bean counters at Nissan. Need to save I bit of money – how about we just make the roof part extra – that should save around $100 per car. Which car should we pick – how about the one that nobody really cares about in the first place. What about the fact that some people buy SUV’s to carry stuff in, or on top of – don’t be silly, no one buy’s these for that kind of use.
nickdl

I’m surprised Nissan beat BMW to this.

This makes a Ssangyong look like an Alfa-Romeo.
Bezza

Before you laugh too much remember that people actually buy BMW X6 and that is an oddity. I mean who really needs a coupe that is 12 foot off the ground?

it is a bold move i will agree with that. But in depressions boldness is common and probably a good thing.

Homer

“Oddity” is a very kind word the X6. Love BMW’s but this thing is pointless. Does nothing that an X5 can’t do but carry less stuff, cost heaps more and is super fugly. However, as you say, people do buy them and who am I to label them small appendage tossers.

Hung Low

I could see past the grill on the regular Murano and front end aside the overall design is pretty good and breaks the tradition suv mould. This creation is an abomination of any design language!
This has been speculated since early 09 in the US and the only reasons I see why this would make production are..
* Sick Joke from Nissan
* Internal sabotage from Nissan HQ in the U.S
* Some Americans actually liked it and provided enough positive feedback to put this into production.
I think Nissan is heading down a dangerous path with this weird contraption, this is something one would expect from Skoda!
Opelman

About as pointless as a Daewoo; probably drives better though! LOL
Ben

Umm…what about the jeep wrangler, wouldn’t that be a production-scale soft top SUV? Bad reporting…
Shak

Umm this isnt a world first. There was a RAV-4 convertible before this and like ben said, the Jeep Wrangler. C’mon CA, your better than that.

Dlr1

… not to mention all the soft top Suzuki 4x4s and even the soft top SWB Pajeros, Daihatsu Rockys ect. This is only newsworthy because most of the others are based on the short wheel base platforms of those vehicles, most of whom are ladder on frame 4x4s, not based on 4 door monocoque type wagons. Interesting concept but they are hardly re-inventing the wheel.

Motorhead

It’s a bit late for April Fools isn’t it?

Surely they’re joking
geezuskrikey

another japanese invention that is useless…
biker

Dune buggy on steriods with a good dollop of calories for comfort. Pointless but I like it just for its bravery and boldness to go where no nissan has gone before.

*my theory McDonalds commissioned this for obese americans who can’t get in/out of the Z4*
http://zuboora.com Mohamad is right when he

its like when u see a fat nude chick.. u look at it for a split second then close your eyes.. and never look again