2007 L.A. Auto Show
Nissan's GT-R packs 480 horsepower and does 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

Nissan’s L.A. press conference drew scores of scribes who just couldn’t wait for the world premiere of the redesigned 2009 Murano crossover SUV. Yeah, right. The real attraction was the all-wheel-drive, twin-turbo V6 Nissan GT-R supercar, making its North American debut after a similar mosh-pit reception a month earlier at the Tokyo Motor Show.

We’ve already detailed the GT-R in a Future Cars report, but a few updates and additions are in order here. First, confirming many rumors, it does indeed pack 480 horsepower and does 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, or so Nissan affirms. Second, the GT-R rolls on specific-design 20-inch wheels wearing either nitrogen-filled Bridgestone run-flat tires or conventional high-performance all-season boots by Dunlop. Inside is a “video-game-inspired” information screen for displaying all sorts of vehicle and trip data. There’s also a recorder for logging your lap times around a racetrack. Also on the dashboard is a so-called “setup switch” that allows tailoring transmission and suspension settings for Normal, Comfort or “R” driving--and no prizes for guessing what R means. Finally, the GT-R does, in fact, go on sale next June--and in two versions: a “base” model starting at $69,850 and a Premium edition priced from $71,900.

2007 L.A. Auto Show
GT-R sales start next June. The “base” model will start at $69,850 and a Premium edition will be priced from $71,900.

As for the new Murano, it looks like a mildly face-lifted version of the 2004-07 original (Murano skips the ’08 model year), but it actually has different bones, moving to the Nissan “D” platform introduced with the redesigned 2007 Altima midsize sedan. The change is said to bring increased structural rigidity, which should benefit both roadability and durability. There are now five models: S and midrange SL with front drive or all-wheel drive, and a new top-line AWD-only LE. All use a retuned 3.5-liter V6 with 265 horsepower, up 20, and 248 pound-feet of torque, up two. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) remains mandatory, but it’s now a second-generation unit with so-called Adaptive Shift Control.

All models now come with traction/stability control, previously optional, and interiors are visibly upgraded with higher-quality materials, a redesigned dashboard, and a fold-flat rear seat. Other new standards include pushbutton starting, tilt/telescope steering wheel, and LED taillamps. Added to the options list are a rear-seat skylight, power liftgate, heated front and rear seats, power-up rear seats, and a touch-screen navigation system with rearview camera and an integrated 9.3-gigabyte “Music Box” hard-drive. The 2009 Nissan Murano reaches dealers in January. Prices will be announced just before sales begin.

2007 L.A. Auto Show
Murano takes a break for model-year 2008. Look for the redesigned 2009 Nissan Murano this January.

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