This text was not translated, because it is originally in English
First there was the traditional sedan that hauled family and friends around town. Later the wagon, the minivan, the sport utility and the crossover vehicles arrived offering more mix-and-match functionalities to suit customer needs. The new 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is pushing the envelop further and adds another formula into the marketplace turning the Murano crossover sport ute into a convertible for four.

According to Nissan, CEO Carlos Ghosn was an early proponent of the Murano convertible and its role to act as the halo vehicle in the brands crossover lineup. Based on the premium Murano LE all-wheel-drive model, the CrossCabriolet chopped its top off and replaced it with aluminum and magnesium framed cloth soft-top. The chassis was reinforced and modified for structural rigidity so that no B-pillar is needed thus allowing for a completely open cockpit. The new Nissan is equipped with a 265-bhp 3. 5-liter V-6 mated to a second-generation continuously variable transmission (CVT).

On the road, the CrossCabriolets cabin is reasonably quiet thanks to a more raked A-pillar protecting the passengers. The CVT does a decent job of keeping engine running smoothly without too much of motor boating usually associated with this type of transmission. Priced to start at $46,390 as the-top-of-the-line Murano model, it will be on sale spring of this year.

Is the Murano CrossCabriolet answering a question that no one has asked? Or is Nissan really on to something and they had the courage to try it. Only time and customers orders will tell.