Nissan has a number of new model design heights for next month's Geneva Motor Show. There will be a new Murano model, a powerful GT model and the latest in the Pivo concept.

The new 2008 Nissan Murano will be one of the highlights at the Nissan stand at next month's Geneva Motor Show.

The new Murano will build on the success of the existing model by offering more style, more refinement, improved performance and greater interior comfort and space. One of the most distinctive models on the market, the current Murano has carved itself a position as a real alternative to road-based SUVs.

The new model continues that trend. Externally the second generation Murano shares obvious DNA with the original and the signature upswept rear side window line is retained, but taken altogether the changes are comprehensive; indeed, every body panel is different.

Inside, there is greater comfort and refinement, particularly for rear passengers, as well as more equipment and a greater sense of travelling in 'business class'.

Murano continues to be powered by Nissan's familiar 3.5-litre VQ engine, which has been revised to offer improved performance. Now developing 265bhp and 325Nm of torque, the 24-valve twin cam V6 provides better performance against the stop watch… and at the fuel pumps.

Improvements have also been made to the Murano's Xtronic CVT transmission, which represents a major evolution of the technology. Extensively re-engineered with a 20 per cent reduction in friction losses, the new CVT improves fuel economy at the same time as improving shift speeds and responsiveness.

Murano will be the first model in Nissan's European range to be available with the company's Scratch Shield Paint, which protects the exterior from marks and scratches typically sustained in everyday life. The paint repairs the marks thanks to a newly developed highly elastic resin that helps prevent the scratches from damaging the base layer paint.

The hotly anticipated Nissan GT-R represents Nissan's passion for cars and driving, providing exceptional performance thanks to its all-new 3.8 V6 twin-turbo engine, producing 480bhp and 588Nm, which is transmitted to its four wheels through one of the most advanced all-wheel drive systems ever developed, via a transaxle mounted dual-clutch, paddle-shift operated gearbox.

Driver adjustable suspension, gearbox and stability control settings tune the GT-R's dynamic characteristics according to the conditions or preferred style of driving. This adaptability reinforces the central philosophy behind the GT-R; the supercar for anyone, anytime, anywhere. Sales of the GT-R will start from March 2009 and European prices and specifications will be announced at the show.

On the concept front, the Nissan Pivo 2 represents the other end of Nissan's passion for cars, which can be characterised as friendly, innovative and design-led. It represents a commitment to finding new, innovative and bold solutions for future generations of motorists.

Pivo 2 is a zero-emissions vehicle propelled by four small 3D disc motors in each wheel and powered by advanced Super-Thin Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries. The driver can always face the direction of travel as the cabin rotates 360 degrees and each wheel has 90 degrees of movement, meaning parking manoeuvres can be executed easily.

Entrance to the cabin is via a single, front-mounted door, which also houses the major controls. Operation is made possible thanks to 'X by Wire' technology, meaning that the steering and other mechanical linkages are replaced by electronic signals to operate Pivo 2's drive systems.

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