AR Rewind #7 - Nissan Murano Convertible

Rewind: This is the seventh in a series of posts where I dive into detail of the work completed for Edmunds InsideLine engagements.

Creative Brief: Scott Oldham contacted me regarding a rumor that Nissan was contemplating a convertible version of the Murano. He was interested in exploring the design possibilities for a two-door variant. After some discussions on the aesthetic and conceptual elements, we agreed to draw inspiration from the hoop and boot design of the PT Cruiser Convertible. Additionally, we were uncertain about Nissan's approach to reinforcing the vehicle's structure after removing the roof so we envisioned Nissan using the Chrysler as a benchmark.

Execution Highlights - Front

• Donor convertible pieces for hoop and boot came from a PT Cruiser Convertible
• 2 doors conversion
• Custom fill in of the background and windshield area where the top was chopped

Final Thoughts: This was a really fun project that received quite a lot of laughs when posted on InsideLine's website. Ultimately, Nissan did produce the convertible in a limited series from 2012 to 2014, naming it the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet.

Original Blog Link: Future Drop Top: 2011 Nissan Murano Convertible

Life following art? Thoughts on the new Nissan Murano CrossCabrolet

Personal File: So I was finally going back through my brochures from our annual Chicago Auto Show trip and came back upon the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. Having done an early look at what it might have looked like for InsideLine, I was very impressed with what Nissan had actually done with the vehicle.

It seemed to be a hit with the ladies at the show, especially the younger female demographic. This got me thinking, since women influence over 3/4 of all vehicle sales, what if this vehicle concoction takes off? Would other manufacturers take note and start to offer SUV convertibles?

As I was pondering that question, I couldn't help but feel I've already seen this done before in the past. After a bit of digging around, I stumbled upon this old chop I did for a monthly design contest on GMInsideNews about 5 years ago. We were asked that month to chop the 2003 Centieme Concept and I went hog wild with a 2-door retractable hardtop convertible.

Funny how things work out ... I can now compare a 5 year old chop to a real life convertible SUV. Life imitates art or something like that ... ha ha ha

What do you think - should other manufacturers hop on the bandwagon? Would you consider buying a convertible SUV from Nissan, Buick, or any other brand if one was offered? Has Nissan just found their own BMW X6 niche? Time will tell :)

All source photos copyright original owners

Murano Convertible Named: 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

From Edmunds InsideLine: We knew that Nissan would be showing a convertible version of the Nissan Murano at the 2010 LA Auto Show. What we didn't know was confirmed today; The upcoming drop-top crossover will be the 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. The Murano CrossCabriolet will be the world's first all-wheel-drive crossover convertible and will seat 4.

Click here to view this article.

All source photos copyright original owners.

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UPDATE: The link to this article no longer exists as Edmunds' Inside Line was discontinued in 2013. You can still view the original article via the Wayback Machine.

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A Nissan Murano MCE inspired by the 2011 Nissan Quest

Personal File: I just saw the newly released images of the production 2011 Nissan Quest and the design is growing on me the more I study the images. I wasn't sold on the Nissan Murano redesign when it came out a few years back but this new corporate face is really starting to come together.

The new Quest inspired me to see what the Murano might look like with a similar front end treatment. With an nip and a tuck and a slightly smaller grille opening, I think the Quest front end works great on the Murano. Proportions are better balanced and there is more design cohesion in front of the vehicle.

What do you think?

All source photos copyright original owners.

Future Drop Top: 2011 Nissan Murano Convertible

From Edmunds InsideLine: SANTA MONICA, California — Nissan is preparing a new addition for its popular Murano crossover lineup, and surprisingly enough, the future SUV will be a convertible.

On the market since 2003, the five-passenger SUV underwent a complete makeover for 2009, and now Nissan is engineering a drop-top version of the latest-generation Murano. Expected to arrive by the spring of 2010, the Murano drop top will be the market's only four-door convertible except for the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, whose rugged four-wheel-drive capability is geared toward a completely different audience.

Click here to view this article.

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UPDATE: The link to this article no longer exists as Edmunds' Inside Line was discontinued in 2013. You can still view the original article via the Wayback Machine.

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