TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Nissan Juke Nismo Concept
Nissan rolls out a premium, sporty version of its compact crossover, but it's nowhere near as insane as the fire-breathing Juke-RNissan recently revealed its bonkers Juke-R, but the Japanese carmakers will use this week's Tokyo Motor Show to unveil a distinctly more subdued Juke Nismo Concept, which shows how a premium sports version of the compact crossover could look.
Lower, wider and has a tougher-stanced than the standard Nissan Juke, the Juke Nismo Concept nevertheless misses out on the GT-R running gear stuffed within the bulging bodyshell of the Juke-R.
However, Nismo has eked out a few extra neddies from the 1.6-litre direct-injection turbo engine (the press release doesn't quote the precise power output), while the suspension has been lowered and stiffened with parts that will be available from the expanded Nismo parts catalogue.
Visually, the Juke Nismo Concept is recognisable by its bespoke front and rear bumpers, wider fenders and side skirts.
The grille pattern has also been changed, while the tailgate spoiler has been modified by the addition of side elements to optimise airflow. Even the shape of the door mirrors has been tweaked for better aero efficiency and to reduce front and rear lift.
The car rides on a tasty looking set of 10-spoke, 19-inch rims and is finished in Nismo's signature colours of pearl white with red highlights.
"As the Concept shows, Nismo brings new levels of individuality to mainstream Nissan cars like Juke," said Nismo president Shoichi Miyatani. "The future for Nismo is to develop premium sports designs for an ever-widening range of customers.
"Our forthcoming range of cars will be just as accessible and innovative as every Nissan product, but with added Nismo energy they will be even more fun to own and drive," added Miyatani-san.
Nismo has also gone through the cabin and turfed the standard steering wheel, pedals, gauges, shifter knob and door trims, replacing them with sportier parts from its catalogue.
Further underlining the car's sporting character, it gains special leather-trimmed bucket seats and a tachometer with the dial and needle illuminated in red. In addition, a matte effect is applied to previously reflective surfaces. The unusual centre console -- shaped to resemble a motorcycle fuel tank -- has also been given a metallic coating.
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