The 2016 Nissan Murano Hybrid has been unveiled at the Auto Shanghai 2015 exhibition. Based on the conventionally-powered third-generation Murano (pictured above), the Murano Hybrid retains most of the design cues found on the regular variant save for a few badges plastered around the car.
This will also mark the first time that the Murano is offered with a hybrid powertrain. Under the bonnet, a supercharged 2.5 litre, four-cylinder QR25DER engine is augmented by a 20 hp electric motor – powered by a lithium-ion battery. The petrol engine displaces a total of 250 hp and 329 Nm of torque.
The 2016 Nissan Murano Hybrid employs Nissan’s Intelligent Dual Clutch System – a one-motor, dual-clutch parallel hybrid system. What this means is that the system isn’t exactly a dual-clutch gearbox in its truest sense as one clutch is located between the engine and the electric motor while the other slots in between the electric motor and the actual transmission – likely the Xtronic CVT.
According to Nissan, the Murano Hybrid offers performance that betters an equivalent 3.5 litre V6 while official fuel consumption figures are said to be similar to a 2.0 litre engine. Full performance figures will probably be divulged closer to the car’s market launch in China, set for the second quarter of this year.
