Nissan Murano loses its lid

Nissan has released this image of the Murano CrossCabriolet, due to be revealed at next week's Los Angeles motor show.

It's not a pie-in-the-sky concept either, as Nissan has already announced the vehicle is production-bound, and it's slated to go on sale in the US in early 2011. However, there are as yet no plans to offer it in our market.

"The Japanese carmaker touts the open-topped Murano as the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible" and promises that it "delivers the open-air exhilaration of a convertible while extending the versatility of the Murano in exciting new ways."

The Murano CrossCabriolet allegedly offers room for four adults, space for golf bags or luggage (even with the top down), and a "premium level interior".

One might have thought the five-door wagon configuration of the Murano wouldn't exactly lend itself to being the basis for a two-door cabrio, but the end result doesn't look as awkward as expected.

In fact, the vehicle is further proof of Nissan's willingness to push design boundaries as it follows in the wake of the offbeat Juke, which launched overseas earlier this year, but is currently not on the agenda for Australia.

There's every chance the Murano CrossCabriolet will fare well in the US, as Americans have long had a love affair with open-topped cars. The best-selling drop-tops in the States include the convertible versions of the Chrysler Sebring, Mini Cooper/Cooper S, BMW 3 Series, Audi A5, Ford Mustang and Porsche 911/Boxster.

General Motors plans to strengthen its presence in the segment and will use next week's LA motor show to showcase the new convertible version of the Chevrolet Camaro.

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