2013 Nissan Murano Gains New Value Package

It's that time of year that many automakers release their new model years cars and trucks. Following the all-new 2013 Sentra and Pathfinder crossover, and more recently, the 2013MY Titan pickup truck, Nissan has now released the 2013 model year version of its Murano crossover. On sale now, the Murano's prices, excluding an $825 delivery fee, start at $29,960 for the base "S" grade with FWD, and rise to $40,750 for the "LE" with AWD.
For 2013, Nissan has added a suite of "Safety Shield" technologies, including Moving Object Detection (MOD), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems, to the LE Platinum Edition and SL Navigation Package.
Furthermore, there's a new Value Package available for SV models, which comprises a power liftgate, Bose audio system with 9 speakers plus dual subwoofers and a Navigation system. It is priced at $2,270, which Nissan says offers a savings of $830 over the cost of items if they were purchased individually.
Two new exterior colors, called Midnight Garnet and Gun Metallic, complete the changes for the new model year, with the Murano continuing to be offered with a 260hp 3.5-liter V6 matched to a standard Xtronic CVT.

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Porsche Confirms 918 Spyder's 7:14 Nürburgring Time

Only a day after the official brochure of the 918 Spyder leaked on the web, Porsche confirmed reports that its hybrid supercar posted a 7:14 lap time at the 20.6 km (12.8-mile) Nürburgring track on September 18. Porsche said that the prototype was packing 795HP, which is the first time the automaker is being specific about the 918 Spyder's "770HP-plus" output.
The automaker added that the car was available for only one lap noting that it started from a standstill, was fitted with standard Michelin production tires and was equipped with the optional “Weissach” package that reduces weight by 34 kg (77 pounds) by ditching most amenities such as the air conditioning and the audio system.
Even though it did not set any records the Stuttgart-based company is more than happy with the time set by the 918 Spyder.
“By turning in a fabulous time of 7:14 minutes, the 918 Spyder prototype has already fully confirmed the viability of its future concept after just a few months on the road”, said Dr. Frank Walliser, the project’s overall leader.
With the Nordschleife being its home turf and Porsche already having a history of defending its reputation on this particular track, we bet that this is just the beginning…
After all, future 918 clients who will have the opportunity to own one may not choose to splash out more than US$60K on a paint job, but surely want top bragging rights as far as their hypercar's 'Ring time is concerned.
By Andrew Tsaousis

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Jeep CEO Says Pickup Model a Possibility

In 2005, Jeep unveiled the Wrangler based Gladiator pickup (pictured here) at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Unfortunately, the Chrysler brand was in financial turmoil at the time and unable to ready the concept for production. Now, though, Jeep's top bosses are mulling over the possibility of reinventing the Gladiator for the future lineup.
In a recent interview with Car Advice, Jeep President Mike Manley let slip that a decision was coming "pretty soon" about the possibility of a production read Jeep branded pickup.
As we saw with the Gladiator concept, the production spec pickup would be based on the future Wrangler platform. With this set Wrangler platform, Manley said that they could run into some problems regarding two- and four-door variants.
"One of the issues is that when you go four-door with a bed is that your break-over angle gets destroyed. We can still maintain approach and departure angles, but when we get to a certain length, the break-over becomes an issue."
With a refreshed lineup expected for the 2015-2016 model year, we could see the pickup make its way into production then.
In the meantime, Wrangler owners can also take a look at Jeep's JK-8 pickup truck conversion kit that's available for $5,499, not including the work you will have to put in to it.
By Jeff Perez

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