2011 Nissan Murano Convertible

Four-door convertibles are a rare breed. The extra area it takes necessary to go topless over a sedan creates safety and structural problems when a roof is not in place. In fact, Lincoln’s 67 Continental was the last sedan convertible to come direct from the factory. But Nissan is thinking about breaking this streak...sorta.

Nissan’s Murano got a redesign this year, but by 2011 it may need to give customers a new reason to visit it in the showroom. So the carmaker is looking to chop the top off the SUV. Nissan will stick with a more traditional soft top to keep weight down. This will help to keep the fuel economy to the current combined city/highway rating of 21 mpg. The standard Murano’s 265 horsepower 3.5L V6 and CVT transmission should remain, with customers being able to choose between front and all-wheel drive.

Don’t expect the 2011 Murano convertible to come cheap. A top-of-the-line 2009 Murano LE with all-wheel drive and an optional navigation system is priced at $39,080 including delivery charges, and the new convertible model will likely sit at the top of the lineup.