Nissan has officially took off the wraps on the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible, the 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet at the stage of the L.A. Auto Show. The exceptional mixture of qualities – crossover style, sleek innovative design, open air experience – is something completely new on the autoscene and is about to hit the market in early 2011.

Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. stated: "When people think of a crossover, they think of a combination of the driving sophistication of a sedan with the utility of a sport utility. This new Murano CrossCabriolet adds an unexpected third element, the ability to make everyday activities more exciting with open air driving. However, with its extraordinarily engineered convertible top, standard all-wheel drive and room for four adults plus cargo, the CrossCabriolet is not just for cruising South Beach or Malibu. It's a vehicle to take to lunch, running errands or on a long ski weekend in any part of the country."

At first glance, the fresh newcomer differs from its pure Crossover brother with its only-two 7.9 inches longer front doors, the rear glass skylight that provides exceptional wide-open interior environment even when the top is closed, and the dual pop-up Roll Bars. A high Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon projector headlights, front fog lights and 370Z-inspired LED taillights further bring exclusivity to the Murano CrossCabriolet. Moreover, the ride's highlights include body-colored front and rear bumpers, chrome door handles, body-colored dual power/heated outside mirrors, and rear window defroster with timer.

In the terms of powering, the 2011 Murano CrossCabriolet sports as standard a 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 block with 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, which benefits from the brand's Induction Control System (NICS), twin knock sensors, low exhaust pressure, a 10.3:1 compression ratio, and 6,000 rpm redline. The powerplant is linked to a second-generation Xtronic CVT with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) that allows ultra sporty response and unmatched smoothness.

Among the standard equipment, the innovative vehicle is further packed with power front windows with one-touch up/down and auto-reverse feature, Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, and a 7-inch color display for audio, climate control, fuel economy, maintenance and comfort and convenience systems. Included in the pack are also: highly functional storage systems, Fine Vision gauges and driver instrumentation with white backlighting, illuminated steering wheel controls, auto door lock feature, four cupholders, tilting and telescoping steering column, auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control with illuminated steering wheel mounted switches, front door map pockets, and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system.

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (2011) - picture 1 of 8
Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (2011) - picture 2 of 8
Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (2011) - picture 3 of 8
Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (2011) - picture 4 of 8
Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (2011) - picture 5 of 8
Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (2011) - picture 6 of 8
Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (2011) - picture 7 of 8
Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (2011) - picture 8 of 8