In what may be the only silver lining of the horrific earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Japan in March--though Nissan certainly won't see it this way--production of the 2011 Murano CrossCabriolet was cut just as it began, halting its assault on our eyeballs just as it was about to intensify.

Supply chain problems brought on by the disaster have seen just 40-50 of the drop-top crossovers built. There's no word on when the supply shortage will abate, or when the CrossCabriolet might return to more normal production.

Aesthetics aside, however, or assuming you can live with the decidedly unusual proportions of a convertible crossover, the Murano CrossCabriolet does have a long list of upsides, including a top-notch interior, a strong standard features list, and, of course, the convertible top itself. For a full look at the unique Murano convertible, check out our preview here or watch our walkaround live from the New York Auto Show below.

[Inside Line]