Murano concept London showstopper

Love it or hate it, Nissan’s Murano undoubtedly cuts an impressive figure on our roads, but should its GT-C concept be okayed for production, it may just blow the (beauty) socks off many of its more utilitarian counterparts.

Love it or hate it, Nissan’s Murano undoubtedly cuts an impressive figure on our roads, but should its GT-C concept be okayed for production, it may just blow the (beauty) socks off many of its more utilitarian counterparts.

Based on the standard Murano, and further developed by Nissan’s European Technical Centre, the concept uses a powertrain that is greatly revised and supported by a host of suspension, brake and steering upgrades. The mechanical enhancements are complemented by aesthetic changes to both the interior and exterior styling.

The dramatically-styled Murano will be the Japanese manufacturer’s star display at this month’s British Motor Show, and a source from Nissan UK recently suggested that the production model could make its debut by as early as the end of 2006.

The Murano’s current 3,5-litre V6′s output has been boosted by a turbocharger to increase its power output by 85 kW from 176 to 261 kW, with a torque figure of 359 N.m from 3 300 r/min. Claimed top end is in the 225-km/h region, while it should sprint from zero to 100 km/h in roughly seven seconds.

To match this performance, the concept uses MacPherson struts up front with a multi-link rear suspension, modified to improve cornering and aid positive steering feedback, Nissan suggested. A bespoke racing-spec braking system is used, while the Murano’s existing ABS and ESP systems remain unchanged.

A styling makeover has been included to make the Murano even more eye-catching. The bodywork is finished in Kuro Black paint, while the front grille, mirrors, door handles and other exterior accents are finished in black or bronze lacquer. Twenty-two inch five-spoke alloy wheels complete the daring look.

The cabin is sporty, yet luxurious, with its electrically adjustable front seats finished in perforated leather, with matching matte leather used for the rear seats, armrests, footwell and steering wheel inserts. Black and bronze lacquered materials are used throughout the cabin, and the concept is equipped with climate control, bi-xenon headlamps, a colour-reversing camera, seven-speaker Bose audio system and DVD satellite navigation.

“This is the first time that Nissan’s Technical Centre Europe has produced such a concept, and it speaks volumes for our ability to respond quickly and effectively to customer demand,” explained a Nissan employee based at the centre. “Although the GT-C is a concept,” he said, “we wanted to make it as production feasible as possible. So, bar a few minor trim changes, what you see is what you would get – if the GT-C gets production approval.”