Nissan reveals hot Juke Nismo performance crossover

Nissan will reveal a high performance version of its popular Juke crossover this weekend, with the launch of the Juke Nismo at the Le Mans 24 Hour race.

Nissan racing for charity at Le Mans

Nissan Juke-R (2012 onwards)

Nissan turns gamer into Juke-R ice racer

Shown as a concept at the Tokyo and Geneva Motor Shows, the production Juke Nismo will go on sale in early 2013 – and becomes the first in a planned series of Nismo performance Nissans.

Nismo is Nissan’s Japanese motorsport and personalisation department, and the Juke Nismo showcases the approach we can expect from Nissan’s sports division: it is immediately more distinctive than regular Jukes, thanks to an aero-tuned bodykit inspired by the Juke-R.

It’s an extensive set of changes too: not only are the front and rear bumpers lower, but the wings are wider and there’s a modified grille and new tailgate spoiler. Huge 18-inch alloys set it off, and lower, stiffer suspension ensures it handles as well as it looks, too.

There are added technical highlights here as well, for Nissan has not only revised the steering system but also says torque vectoring will be standard – indicating the Juke Nismo is derived from the four-wheel drive version of the Juke.

No power details have been revealed, but Nissan says the 1.6-litre turbo petrol is “tuned up”: the standard DIG-T model produces 190hp so we are hopeful the new Juke Nismo will produce 200hp or more.

Inside, there are redesigned steering wheel, dials, gearknob and door trims, while special suede Nismo seats are likely to become another trademark of the brand.

Andy Palmer, executive VP of global product planning, said: “The introduction of Juke Nismo further cements our dedication to provide innovation and excitement for everyone.

“The Juke, with its radical design and pioneering attitude, is the natural choice to be one of the first Nissan models to receive the mythical performance and distinctive design treatment from our Nismo specialists.”

Nissan racing for charity at Le Mans

Nissan Juke-R (2012 onwards)

Nissan turns gamer into Juke-R ice racer