Many car enthusiasts, looking through catalogs of rare cars, come across a mysterious name Nissan Murano in the back of a convertible. A lot of rumors, photographs and even fake sales advertisements have formed around this model. However, the reality turns out to be much more prosaic and interesting from an engineering point of view. Nissan Murano is an iconic midsize crossover that redefined SUV design, but it was never produced as a convertible.
However, the idea of an open SUV was not forgotten by the company's engineers. In 2003, just a year after the debut of the Murano concept, the brand introduced Murano Convertible Concept. The car was a unique experiment that showed how massive off-road character could be combined with open-sky elegance. It was this concept that gave rise to the myth of serial Nissan Murano Cabriolet, which is still sought after by collectors.
If you're considering purchasing an open-top car, it's important to understand the difference between real-life models and concept designs. Serial Murano has always remained a coupe-like hardtop crossover. Buying a car that is positioned by the seller as a factory convertible most likely means encountering a custom conversion or fraud. We will analyze in detail the technical features of the concept and the reasons why it did not go into production.
The history of the creation of a unique concept
Premiere Murano Convertible Concept took place at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It was a bold decision for the Japanese automaker of the time, which rarely took risks with radical shapes. The designers sought to create a car that would combine the features of a luxurious coupe and a functional SUV. The appearance of the concept was made in the style Fluid Sculpture, which emphasized dynamic lines even in static conditions.
A key feature of the project was the transformable roof. Engineers developed a complex system for folding the hard top, which made it possible to open the interior in a matter of seconds. Folding hard top provided excellent noise insulation and safety, which is critical for cars of this class. However, the design turned out to be extremely bulky and heavy, which became the first obstacle to mass production.
The interior of the concept was also designed in the spirit of a premium car. Genuine leather, wood and metal were used here, creating an atmosphere of comfort. Leather trim and thoughtful ergonomics made staying in the car pleasant even on long trips. But the main feature remained the panorama that opens when the roof is retracted.
Why didn't this car become a bestseller? The answer lies in the balance between comfort and functionality. Crossovers are bought for practicality, and convertibles for emotions. Murano Convertible tried to combine the incompatible, sacrificing useful trunk space for the sake of the roof mechanism. This resulted in the car becoming too expensive to produce and difficult to operate.
Technical stuffing and power units
Under the hood of the concept Murano Convertible hidden was a powerful power unit inherited from the base model. It was the famous 3.5 liter engine VQ35DE with variable valve timing system. The engine power was 275 horsepower, which provided excellent acceleration dynamics even taking into account the additional weight of the folding roof mechanism.
The engine was paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, which ensured smooth shifts. Xtronic all-wheel drive allowed the car to feel confident on various types of surfaces, from dry asphalt to light off-road. This was an important advantage over classic convertibles, which usually only have front- or rear-wheel drive.
However, the chassis design required serious modification. To compensate for the lack of a hardtop, engineers significantly strengthened the sills and B-pillar. Reinforced body frame was supposed to provide the necessary torsional rigidity, but this led to an increase in the weight of the car. As a result, handling is slightly less sharp than that of a standard crossover.
The concept's suspension was tuned for comfort, in keeping with the spirit of the gran turero. Shock absorbers and springs were selected to minimize roll in corners and ensure a smooth ride. Independent suspension front and rear operated smoothly, but the added weight of the roof limited tuning options. As a result, the car turned out to be heavy, but very stable on the track.
Why did mass production not take place?
Despite rave reviews from the press and public, Nissan did not put the convertible into production. The main reason was economic inexpediency. The development of a unique platform for one model required colossal investments that could not be recouped given limited demand. High cost would make the car too expensive for the mass consumer.
In addition, there was a problem with safety and reliability. A retractable hard top on such a large vehicle required complex electronics and multiple mechanical actuators. Risk of mechanism failure was significantly higher than that of simple fabric uppers. In conditions of harsh winters or frequent rains, the operation of such a convertible became problematic.
Another factor was internal marketing conflict. The company feared that the convertible could cannibalize sales of the standard Murano, which was in stable demand. Brand dilution was an unwelcome move, especially at a time when crossovers were just beginning to take over the market. The decision was made in favor of keeping the line in its classic form.
As a result, the concept remained a single example that demonstrated the company’s engineering capabilities. It became a precursor to other experiments, but never became a production car. A single prototype of the Murano Convertible was donated to the Nissan Museum, where it is exhibited as a unique creation of design from the early 2000s. This makes it a real rarity for concept car collectors.
- Yes, this is a unique style
- No, a classic crossover is better
- Interesting only as a concept
- I don’t know, I haven’t considered this option
Alternatives and customization today
Today on the market you can find cars that imitate the convertible version Murano. Private workshops offer services for roof removal and installation of awning structures. However, such modifications often violate the factory body geometry and reduce passive safety. Homemade alteration may cause problems with inspection or insurance.
If you still want to get an open car, there are other models to consider. For example, Ford Mustang Convertible or Chevrolet Camaro offer excellent dynamics and style. For off-road lovers there is Jeep Wrangler, which was originally designed as a removable roof. Factory convertible is always a guarantee of reliability and safety, which cannot be achieved with customization.
It is important to understand that any modified car loses some of its liquidity. When reselling, buyers will be careful with a car that has had its body structure changed. Loss of value can amount to a significant amount, especially if the work is not done carefully. It's better to leave the original one Murano in factory condition to preserve its aftermarket value.
☑️ Checklist for checking a custom convertible
Comparison table of characteristics
For clarity, let’s compare the technical characteristics of the serial Murano and a concept convertible. This will help you understand what changes have been made to the design and how they affect the vehicle's parameters. The data is based on official specifications and tests conducted during the presentation of the concept.
| Characteristics | Production Murano (2003) | Murano Convertible Concept |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 VQ35DE | 3.5L V6 VQ35DE |
| Power | 275 hp | 275 hp |
| Drive | Full (ALL-WHEEL) | Full (ALL-WHEEL) |
| Weight | 1860 kg | ~2050 kg |
| Roof type | Hard non-removable | Folding rigid |
As can be seen from the table, the main difference is the weight and type of roof. An increase in weight by 190 kg significantly affects acceleration dynamics and fuel consumption. Additional weight roof mechanisms are compensated by engine power, but do not make the car lighter. This is an important factor to consider when analyzing the capabilities of a concept.
⚠️ Attention: Do not believe advertisements for the sale of a serial Nissan Murano Cabriolet. Such cars do not exist in nature, and any attempt to sell it as a factory model is fraudulent.
The impact of the concept on the future of the brand
Despite the lack of a production version, Murano Convertible Concept had a huge influence on the development of design Nissan. The experience gained from creating the folding mechanism was used in the development of other convertible models. Engineering experience allowed the company to improve technology and create more reliable solutions for future projects.
The concept design set the trend for more aggressive and dynamic lines in crossovers. The body shape that was used in Murano, became the standard for many subsequent models of the brand. V-Motion style, which came later, drew heavily on experiments conducted with this concept. This proves that even commercially unsuccessful projects can be useful for brand development.
Today Murano remains one of the most recognizable crossovers on the market. Its unique appearance attracts attention even years after its first appearance. Coupe-shaped silhouette has become the calling card of the model and distinguishes it from its competitors. If the convertible version had gone into production, perhaps the crossover market would have been a little different.