2008 Nissan Titan Le Extended Cab Pickup 4-door 5.6l on 2040-cars

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Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet being phased out, no replacement planned

Over the years, I've been given many nicknames - a few of them have even been repeatable around small children. One such moniker is "Mr. Other Makes," a title given to me because of my predilection for sifting through eBay Motors seeking out automotive misfits and orphans. I've got a soft spot for the dreamers and automakers who take big chances on beancounter-enraging flights of fancy.
I count Nissan among that bunch, because for every safe-as-houses Altima or Sentra that rolls out of its factory gates, the Japanese automaker has often secreted away a little funding for white-space niche vehicles that any sane person wouldn't expect to pencil out. Some, like the Juke, have proven to be massive hits. Others, like the GT-R, have become icons. And then there are models like the Murano CrossCabriolet, a segment-bending mashup the likes of which we haven't seen since the AMC Eagle Sundancer.
Yesterday, upon revealing the new third-generation Murano ahead of its New York Auto Show debut, we reported "the writing appears to be on the wall" for the midsize crossover's novel convertible cousin. It appears we were right. Autoblog can now confirm that the CrossCabriolet will die at the end of this model year, and our source at Nissan tells us unequivocally, "there is no plan for a next-generation Murano CC."

Recharge Wrap-up: video touts Volvo electric buses, Nissan and BMW build EV chargers in S. Africa

Volvo is touting the advantages of electric buses in a new video. The short film, called Route 55, promotes the ElectriCity Project for public transport, and, more specifically, the new electric bus route in Gothenburg, Sweden. The new route debuts June 15 using Volvo electric and hybrid buses. In the video, two teenagers are seen waiting for the bus. As one boards, the other asks her out from the sidewalk, but she can't hear him over the noise of the diesel bus, which then closes its doors and drives away. The film asks, "What if this bus had been silent?" See the video above, and read more in the press release below. BMW and Nissan will build an EV charging network across South Africa. Through 2017, the two automakers will build fast-charging and AC stations around the country in order to encourage the adoption of EVs. Nissan has been selling the Leaf in South Africa since 2013, and BMW introduced the i3 and i8 in March. "In order for the introduction and expansion of electric vehicles as well as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to be successful in this market, we need to work together," says BMW South Africa Managing Director Tim Abbott. Read more at Automotive News Europe. The Renault-Nissan Alliance will provide the United Nations with 200 electric vehicles for the COP21 climate conference in Paris. The fleet of vehicles includes the Nissan Leaf and e-NV200, as well as the Renault ZOE, Kangoo ZE and Fluence ZE. The entire passenger car shuttle fleet will use all-electric vehicles as some 20,000 UN attendees descend upon Paris from November 30 to December 11. "Thanks to the Alliance's fleet of 100-percent electric vehicles, it will contribute to our goal of achieving a carbon neutral event," says French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development and COP21 President Laurent Fabius. "The technology of electric vehicles helps reduce greenhouse gases in the transportation sector efficiently." Read more from Renault. Visa will be the official title sponsor of the Formula E London ePrix. Officially called the "2015 FIA Formula E Visa London ePrix," the races on June 27 and 28 will be the last of the electric racing series's inaugural season. Visa Europe will award the Visa Fastest Lap trophy after the each round, and will have interactive activities at the race's eVillage.

Nissan Murano hybrid greens up Shanghai

Nothing says summertime like a muscle car with a ragtop. Or, in China's case, a hybrid crossover SUV, right? So it's a good thing Nissan plans on starting sales of a hybrid variant of its Murano in China for the upcoming warm weather season. Nissan showed off the Murano Hybrid at the Shanghai Motor Show with a supercharged engine that is paired with an electric motor. The company says the powertrain will deliver the fuel economy of a 2.0-liter engine and the power of a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Nissan didn't release actual specs of the engine nor any fuel-economy figures. Back in 2013, Nissan was working on expanding its hybrid choices, including hybrid variants for both the Murano and the Rogue. This powertrain choice makes some sense, since it could be difficult to wring a decent single-charge range out of those relatively heavier vehicles if they were all-electric. With that in mind, take a look at Nissan's press release below. NISSAN APPEALS TO CHINESE WITH TWO WORLD PREMIERES: LANNIA AND MURANO HYBRID AT AUTO SHANGHAI 2015 Lannia makes global debut to capture the hearts of young Chinese customers All-new Murano Hybrid offers excellent fuel economy and driving performance in the luxury SUV segment Customers in China can begin ordering GT-R Nismo and 370Z Nismo today SHANGHAI, China (April 20, 2015) – Nissan unveiled two all-new production models, Lannia and Murano Hybrid, along with two Nismo products, GT-R Nismo and 370Z Nismo, at Auto Shanghai 2015. "These innovative vehicles represent the start of an exciting new chapter in the story of Nissan's presence in, and commitment to, China," said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. "Nissan's growth strategy in China will continue to reflect our commitment to use local engineering and manufacturing. And we will maintain our support for China's efforts to promote more efficient and sustainable transportation. On both of these fronts, Lannia and Murano Hybrid will lead the way forward." Highlights of the Nissan display: Building on Nissan's longstanding success in the sedan market, Lannia delivers a fresh, distinctive personality that China's young generations embody. As the first product developed and designed for the young Chinese generations, especially those in their 20s and 30s today who are seen as energetic trendsetters, Lannia is a tangible expression of the company's commitment to China.