The Nissan Juke range has a new flagship, the Nissan Juke Nismo RS. Previewed at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the Juke Nismo RS is based on the Juke Nismo, but packs more power, a sharper chassis, stronger brakes and extra equipment.
The Juke Nismo’s 1.6 litre DIG-T engine has been boosted to 218 PS from 200 PS, while torque in 2WD/manual transmission versions is up by 30 Nm to 280 Nm. To ensure the chassis can successfully transfer the extra grunt to the road, 2WD models also benefit from the addition of a mechanical limited slip differential on the front axle.
An LSD is not required in 4WD versions which have torque vectoring, Nissan’s Xtronic transmission and 250 Nm. The performance gains are matched by a retuned exhaust system with a large diameter muffler.
Other improvements linked to the increased engine performance include strategic body strengthening to increase torsional stiffness, while the brakes have been enhanced for even better resistance to fade – front disc size is up from 296 to 320 mm, while the rear discs are now ventilated. Revised spring and damper settings complete the chassis changes.
Nismo exterior design cues include red door mirror caps and a red pinstripe that encircles the bottom of the car. The package is completed with new LED daytime running lights set within the lower air intake grilles, while 18-inch alloys accentuate the Juke’s bold stance.
The Nismo treatment continues inside with a performance-oriented steering wheel, pedals, gauges, gear knob and door trims. Special suede-trimmed Nismo sports seats with red stitching provide extra support. Options include Recaro bucket seats, xenons and Nissan’s Around View Monitor and Safety Shield.
