BEYOND THE RACETRACK

4x4magazine | 09/02/2013 | 0 Comments

Nissan expands NISMO line-up in the United States with addition of new JUKE NISMO – the complete performance makeover of the popular JUKE.

The new JUKE NISMO, with its track-derived design, enhanced performance and engaging handling, gives JUKE buyers a distinct choice among the affordable S, well- equipped SV and premium SL grades of the popular crossover. Two configurations – front-wheel drive with a 6-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive with sport- tuned Xtronic CVT – are available in three exterior colors – white, black and silver.

The JUKE NISMO model features nearly 100 individual revised components, including a tuned 197-horsepower 1.6-liter DIG turbo engine, tuned suspension, bold aerodynamic styling with a 37 percent improvement in downforce, interior with deeply bolstered front seats and red accents and lightweight 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/45R18 Continental ContiSportContact5 tires.

Compared to the standard Nissan JUKE, the most obvious visual change is to the front fascia and grille, which have been modified to better control airflow to the engine. JUKE’s familiar integrated fog lights have been replaced by thin-strip LED accent lights, positioned at the top edge of new small vents to the side of the larger grille. The sculpted side skirts have been reworked to enhance aerodynamic performance, directing airflow around the rear wheels and away from the car as quickly and efficiently as possible. To increase the JUKE NISMO’s visual stance, the wheel arches are more muscular and are now finished entirely in the body color to give a truly premium feel. The door mirrors have been painted red to give a visual indication to the casual observer that this is not a standard Nissan JUKE. In the rear, the bumper is deeper than on non-NISMO models and the red pinstripe is also visible on the black sill. A redesigned body-colored liftgate spoiler and rear fascia diffuser complete the body modifications.

Inside the seats, instrumentation, steering wheel, gear knob, pedals and door trims have all been redesigned to boost driver enjoyment by creating a more performance-oriented environment. In the footwell, the standard black rubber pedals have been upgraded to a metallic finish. Other standard content includes privacy glass, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start and the I-CON (Integrated Control) system with automatic air conditioning.

The JUKE NISMO’s advanced torque vectoring AWD system is designed to limit understeer by increasing torque to the outside rear wheel, helping the car follow its intended course. As well as splitting torque front to rear – up to a maximum of 50:50 – the torque can also be shifted from side-to-side across the rear axle. In total, up to 50 percent of the total available engine torque can be sent to either rear wheel. Information collected by various sources (measuring wheel speed, steering angle, yaw rate and lateral G-force) is interpreted to anticipate the driver’s intention. System actions are relayed to the driver via a real-time graphic display on the instrument panel depicting the torque distribution under all conditions.