Nissan Murano Z53

After more than a decade, the Nissan Murano has returned as a fully imported model straight from the USA. It appears that Nissan is aligning with Toyota in selling American-made Japanese cars, aiming to maintain healthy trade relations between Japan and the United States.

2026 Nissan Murano

Starting at 7,964,000 Japanese Yen, not including additional costs, the Nissan Murano Z53 is positioned as a more expensive option compared to the Lexus RX350 Version L. This model marks the return of Nissan's controversial midsize coupe-style SUV to the Japanese market after a decade-long absence. Its comeback highlights what Japan has missed during its time away.

2026 Nissan Murano

2026 Nissan Murano interior

The Murano Z53 retains coupe-style proportions while featuring ultra-thin "Crystal Cube" LED headlights and a sleek gloss-black trim strip. Its V-motion graphic includes LED daytime running lights cleverly integrated into the grille for a modern look. The liftgate boasts a clean design with a hidden rear wiper, concealed exhaust tips, and a lower bumper license plate holder. A striking LED tail light element spans the rear, creating a unique nighttime signature.

The Murano Z53 comes equipped with a range of impressive features. Inside, you'll find ventilated, massaging front seats, dual 12.3-inch displays powered by Google, and smartphone connectivity. The interior also boasts 64-color ambient lighting and a color heads-up display (HUD). Unlike its predecessors, the Murano Z53 is offered only in left-hand-drive configuration, just like today's Toyota Tundra.

In terms of cargo space, the Murano offers 32.9 cubic feet of storage with the second-row seats raised, and 63.5 cubic feet when the seats are lowered. A standard power liftgate is included.

2026 Nissan Murano

The Murano Z53 is the first Nissan vehicle sold in Japan to feature the KR20DET 2.0L VC-Turbo engine. This engine generates 245 PS of power and 352 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that includes paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. Additionally, idle stop-start technology comes as standard.

Underneath, the Murano Z53 is nearly as sophisticated as a German luxury crossover thanks to its standard 4WD system, rack and pinion steering, front struts, rear multilink suspension, and ventilated disc brakes.

For safety, the Murano Z53 includes a wide variety of safety features, such as ProPILOT Assist, which combines Intelligent Cruise Control with Steering Assist for more convenient highway driving, a 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor, and an Invisible Hood View, among others.

A decade of comebacks warrants a comprehensive explanation from Nissan. The Murano Z53 aims to uphold luxury in the Nissan style. However, with its high price, which exceeds that of the Lexus RX, along with questionable styling, a left-hand drive-only configuration, and performance concerns, it’s challenging to convey the value of this new model to Japanese motorists who previously owned a Murano. Only time will tell how this model will be received.

Available Colors: Turquoise Blue, Prism White, and Super Black.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Let's Do The News! (June 3, 2026)

        

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The Sandiganbayan 7th Division junked Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez's motion to rebuke the Precautionary Hold Departure Order against him in connection with the investigation over the flood control scam.

- The Philippines and Malaysia have strengthened their military alliance following the start of the MALPHI bilateral training activity at Mawab, Davao de Oro.

- The Malacanang recognizes Senate President Pro-Temporare and Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. The PH Senate recently held a quorum where a new leadership took place.

- The DTI released a statement on the proposed mandatory product certification of solar energy systems.

- Senator Erwin Tulfo was named as the new chairperson of the Committee on Accountability of Public Office and Investigations, or the Senate Blue Ribbon committee.

- The Trump administration is working to revise the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, which prohibits foreign car companies with more than 15% control by foreign adversaries, such as Russia and China, from selling vehicles in the U.S. Mercedes-Benz is facing challenges regarding this legislation due to its 20% stake being controlled by Chinese interests.

- Police reported that 11 officers were injured during last night's protest in Southampton regarding the police handling of the Henry Nowak murder.

- South Koreans went to the polls for the 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections.

- Charles Leclerc has signed a multi-year contract extension with Ferrari.

- Lexus reportedly canceled the production of the LF-ZC electric car.

- The current-generation BMW M2 is now offered with xDrive all-wheel-drive system for the first time.

- The Rolls-Royce Spectre Series II was unveiled.

- The Bentley Flying Spur was updated for the 2027 model year with headlamps from the latest-generation Continental GT.

- Actor Channing Tatum is making a film about the Isle of Man TT.

- Maverick Games, a new game studio run by former Forza Horizon staff, unveiled its first project, an open-world action racing adventure game titled CLUTCH.

- Announcements from the recent PlayStation State of Play presentation, such as God of War: Laufey, Wolverine, Until Dawn 2, Ace Combat 8, Silent Hill: Townfall, Control Resonant, and more.

- Music legend Peabo Bryson dies at 75, two days after suffering a stroke.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (June 2, 2026)

       

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano held a press conference online, moments after Senator Jinggoy Estrada's surrender to the authorities.

- PTV-4 named Lino Cayetano as the state-run network's General Manager, according to reports.

- The Malacanang assured that it would be better for the Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte to answer her allegations in the impeachment rather than rejecting it.

- The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges recommends the expulsion of Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga as a member of the PH House of Representatives.

- The Sandiganbayan bars the pre-trial and arraignment of Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

- Caritas Philippines addresses the takedown of the YSpeak 2.0 episode featuring Christian Esguerra.

- Over a thousand pages of documents on Peter Mandelson's appointment as the UK's US ambassador were published.

- A British Army soldier was killed in a training accident in northern Iraq.

- Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell arrives at court, where details of how he embezzled 400k pounds will be revealed.

- The Genesis GMR-001 race car will be donning its Magma colors in next week's Le Mans race.

- The Toyota GRMN Corolla was unveiled. This ultimate version of the GR Corolla will be available in the fall of 2026 exclusively in the GR app. A lottery system for potential customers will be implemented.

2027 Toyota GRMN Corolla

- Basketball Hall of Fame coach Rick Adelman has passed away. Adelman was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

TTFN

Let's Do The News! (June 1, 2026)

      

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan was hospitalized due to high blood pressure.

- Former DPWH Assistant District Engineer Denryl Cortuna surrendered to the Sandiganbayan. Cortuna was co-accused with Senator Jinggoy Estrada for plunder.

- Atty. Michael Poa and other lawyers of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte arrived at the Senate for the submission of a response to the Articles of Impeachment filed against the Vice President.

- Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla accompanied Senator Jinggoy Estrada in surrendering at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) headquarters in Camp Crame

- French police arrested 780 people over violent clashes after PSG defeated Arsenal at the UEFA Champions League finals.

- Chery plans to launch a kei car in Japan under the EMTA brand.

- Jeong Sewoon announces military enlistment date.

- K-drama "The Judge From Hell" renewed for second season with Park Shin Hye confirmed to return.

- Sugar Mercado and HORI7ON's Jeromy won Stars on the Floor Season 2 finale.

- Colombia's Vanessa Pulgarin wins MGI All-Stars First Edition.

- ABS-CBN and TV5 mull new collaboration after "short" breakup, according to reports.

TTFN.

2026 NASCAR Cup Series - Cracker Barrel 400

Nashville is the next stop for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series for the Cracker Barrel 400. Amid a late start due to inclement weather, this race is NASCAR's way to welcome summer.

As the green flag waved, Nashville brought the heat to NASCAR. In the first stage, Denny Hamlin was penalized for jumping the start, while AJ Allmendinger won Stage 1. Stage 2 featured Todd Gilliland spinning out, which affected Ryan Heim and Cole Custer. Daniel Suarez emerged as the winner of Stage 2. In the final stage, Bubba Wallace slid down the track and collided with Alex Bowman.

Screengrab from NASCAR

Having fended off Christopher Bell in the final stretch, Denny Hamlin wins the Cracker Barrel 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway this June 7, 2026.

NTT IndyCar Series 2026 - Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix

The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix brought the streets of Detroit to life, showcasing thrilling racing from both IMSA and IndyCar. In this article, we will primarily focus on the IndyCar race where street IndyCar fighters are going for broke on the streets of MoTown.

The first half of the race featured several incidents, including Alexander Rossi brushing the wall during the pace laps, Christian Rasmussen crashing into the wall, and Kyffin Simpson causing Graham Rahal to spin out. In the latter half of the race, Alexander Rossi received a penalty for getting service in a closed pit, while Mick Schumacher and David Malukas collided. Additionally, Santino Ferrucci stopped on the track, and both Scott Dixon and Will Power retired from the race, among others.

Screengrab from IndyCar

Amid the turbulent Detroit street race, Alex Palou nabbed his fourth win of the season ahead of Kyle Kirkwood and Graham Rahal, intensifying his lead in the championship standings. He is now 62 points ahead of Kirkwood in the title fight.

The next race is at St. Louis for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500.

Third-Generation Mazda CX-5 (KMYSDP)

Mazda's new era starts with the launch of the third-generation CX-5. This model introduces a new chapter for Mazda that the Japanese people will finally experience.

2027 Mazda CX-5

2027 Mazda CX-5

Starting at 3,300,000 Japanese Yen, excluding additional costs, the all-new CX-5 marks a new chapter for Mazda, as indicated by the company's new logo. While it is completely redesigned, it maintains the same reliability that made its predecessors popular, which is the primary reason the CX-5 has been a best-seller since the first model was introduced in 2012.

It is available in three variants, both in FF and 4WD configurations; the base-level L, the mid-range G, and the high-end S. These variants can be outfitted in either Signature Style or Urban Adventure Style.

Starting with its design, the third-generation CX-5 features an updated Kodo exterior that gives it a sportier and more confident appearance while remaining true to its character. Although the front and side profiles are broadly similar to the previous model, the rear view showcases Mazda's new direction. Not only do the rear lamps draw inspiration from the CX-60, but the new "MAZDA" lettering also makes a bold statement.

2027 Mazda CX-5 interior

The same situation applies to the interior, where the steering wheel replaces the emblem with new wording. The dashboard features a new 15.6-inch touchscreen powered by Google, which not only controls almost every aspect of the vehicle but also responds to user commands. To make matters worse, the Google Gemini AI is integrated into the system.

With the rear seats in place, the CX-5 offers up to 466 litres of boot space. If you fold down the passenger seats, the capacity increases to 2019 litres.

2027 Mazda CX-5

The only engine available for now is a PY-VPH 2.5-litre e-SKYACTIV G engine with a 4.8kW mild hybrid system (M HYBRID). This engine produces 178PS of power and 237Nm of torque. Mated only with a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission, fuel economy is 15.2km/L for FF models and 14.2km/L for 4WD models. In a few years, Mazda will be developing the ultimate form of SKYACTIV engines, known as the SKYACTIV Z, which will be the first to utilise it.

The all-new CX-5 has undergone improvements in its chassis and suspension, along with a refined steering wheel for enhanced driving dynamics. The 4WD models feature i-ACTIV AWD, which, combined with G-Vectoring Control, provides excellent handling in a variety of driving conditions, including tarmac, gravel, and snow.

For safety, the all-new CX-5 comes ready with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, ranging from Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Emergency Assist, Cruising and Traffic Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Proactive Driver Assist, 360 VM, and more.

The all-new third-generation CX-5 represents a significant evolution of Mazda's best-selling model, marking the commencement of a new era for the brand, despite being considered contentious by some observers. It's a clear sign of things to come from Mazda's new era, like it or not.

Available Colors: Jet Black Mica, Polymetal Grey Metallic, Aero Grey Metallic, Navy Blue Metallic, Sould Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Premium Metallic, and Rhodium White Premium Metallic.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation