Nissan reveals production-spec Juke Nismo

Nissan’s Juke Nismo Concept made its first public appearance at last November’s Tokyo Motor Show, and now the production-spec version has been rolled out at last weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Although a far tamer proposition than the hardcore Juke-R, the Juke Nismo gains a raft of performance and visual tweaks to boost its appeal over the standard model, and it’s said to be the first of a series of Nismo models that will be progressively rolled out over the coming years.

European sales of the Juke Nismo start in January 2013, but the vehicle isn’t as yet on the radar for the Australian market.

As evident from the accompanying images, the production-spec version is largely as per the Tokyo show concept, although it sits a bit higher and is shod with a more conservative wheel/tyre package.

The Nismo bodykit brings lower front and rear bumpers, wider wings, side skirts, a modified grille and a tailgate spoiler. Nissan claims these aero enhancements reduce front and rear lift without increasing drag.

Further boosting its visual presence vis-à-vis the standard model, the Juke Nismo rides on 18-inch rims shod with low-profile rubber.

Propulsion comes from a ‘tuned-up’ version of Nissan’s 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, allegedly inspired by the powerplant used by the company’s revolutionary DeltaWing Le Mans race car.

No power or torque figures are quoted in the press release, but it’s believed the motor ekes out slightly more than the 140kW and 240Nm on tap in the standard Juke 1.6 Turbo.

The vehicle also scores stiffened suspension settings and new steering modifications claimed to provide sportier handling and improved traction. The Juke Nismo will also be available with GT-R-inspired torque vectoring to further boost traction and cornering grip.

Interior tweaks include a Nismo-designed steering wheel, pedals, gauges, gear knob and door trims, along with suede-trimmed Nismo sports seats with red stitching.

The Juke Nismo will be built at Nissan’s UK production facility in Sunderland, alongside other members of the Juke family. European sales start next January, and Japan and the United States will also receive the car in due course.

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