The auto community is still buzzing about the radical Nissan Juke-R. After all, what sort of automaker is wild enough to cram its halo GT-R powertrain into its tiny Juke crossover?
In fact, it is because of this irrational behavior that makes the Juke-R so well received. However, perhaps the only thing more ridiculous than the Juke-R itself is the Juke-R's $600,000 price tag.
In an effort to bring the Juke-R experience to more people, Nissan reveals its new Juke Nismo.
The Juke Nismo first debuted as a concept during the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and received wide acclaim almost immediately. What's more, Nissan promises that the production of the sportier Juke will mark just the beginning of an exciting new series of Nismo performance vehicles to follow down the pipeline.
According to Nissan, rather than shoehorning the GT-R powertrain, the production Juke Nismo will feature a turbocharged direct-injected 1.6 liter engine, a sportier tuned suspension, and a near identical bodykit to its Tokyo concept, designed to reduce lift at speed. Nismo also developed a special torque vectoring system that is used to improve handling, cornering ability, and increase the levels of grip.
Inside, the Juke Nismo will receive the obligatory sporty touches, including a custom sports steering wheel, unique trim pieces, leather bucket seats, Nismo gauges, and special edition badges.
Because of Nissan motorsport outfit Nismo's heavy involvement in the new Juke's development, the 2013 Nissan Juke Nismo will be revealed amongst the special events ahead of the epic 24 Hours of Le Mans weekend. A particularly important race for Nissan, the Japanese automaker boasts that a quarter of the racing cars fielding the grid at Le Mans are powered by Nismo engines.
Nissan confirmed that the 2013 Juke Nismo will be officially released in Europe first sometime next year. Its release in Asia and the U.S. will follow shortly after.
