The Nissan JUKE is all about attitude – unique styling, dynamic performance and a unique combination of crossover utility and sports car sensibility. Take those attributes and mix in a healthy dose of engineering and experience from Nissan's motorsport performance group and you've got a pair of sport crossovers like no other – the JUKE NISMO and JUKE NISMO RS.
With JUKE NISMO and JUKE NISMO RS, the lineup of NISMO-branded factory performance machines in Nissan showrooms stands at four – including the popular Nissan 370Z NISMO and the ultimate production Nissan GT-R, the new 2017 GT-R NISMO.
Both the JUKE NISMO and JUKE NISMO RS are offered in a choice of front-wheel drive with 6-speed manual transmission or torque vectoring all-wheel drive with NISMO-tuned Xtronic transmission. Three non-NISMO models are also offered – JUKE S, JUKE SV and JUKE SL
2017 JUKE NISMO RS
The JUKE NISMO RS comes complete from the factory with more horsepower and more attitude than any other JUKE. This ultimate JUKE includes unique engine, suspension, steering and brake tuning enhancements (versus the JUKE NISMO and standard JUKE models).
The JUKE NISMO RS starts with the standard JUKE inline 4-cylinder 1.6-liter DOHC aluminum-alloy Direct Injection Gasoline (DIGÔ) turbocharged engine and goes from there. While the base engine is rated at 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque (JUKE S, SV, SL and NISMO grades), the JUKE NISMO RS increases the engine's performance to 215 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) and 210 lb-ft of torque (from 3,600 to 4,800 rpm) for the 6-speed manual transmission-equipped front-wheel drive model.
The JUKE NISMO RS AWD with Xtronic transmission is rated at 211 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) and 184 lb-ft of torque (from 2,400 to 6,000 rpm).
Changes to the engine to create the higher power and torque figures include optimized engine control (ECU) settings and a revised exhaust system with a larger main tube diameter and revised baffling. The JUKE NISMO RS's exhaust has also been tuned to create a highly visceral sound, worthy of its racing-inspired roots. The exhaust system is capped by a chromed tailpipe finisher.
The engine's connecting rod durability has also been enhanced for use with higher torque settings with the manual transmission, along with a strengthened clutch cover and dual mass flywheel. The high capacity 6-speed manual used in the JUKE NISMO RS is a different transmission than available in the JUKE NISMO manual transmission model and uses an optimized gear set and a shorter final drive ratio (4.428:1 NISMO RS, 3.933:1 NISMO) for quicker acceleration.
Manual transmission-equipped NISMO RS models also offer a standard helical-geared Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) to direct more power to the front wheel with the most traction, helping maintain acceleration during cornering. It also helps reduce torque steer, adding to the sense of driving excitement.
All-Wheel Drive JUKE NISMO RS models also offer improved acceleration and a sportier driving feel. With its steering column-mounted paddle shifters, NISMO RS AWD's Xtronic transmission utilizes technology found in the Nissan Maxima sports sedan for an available manual feel. The Xtronic's manual mode offers eight-step "gearing," versus the JUKE NISMO Xtronic's seven and base JUKE Xtronic's six steps.
In addition, the advanced torque vectoring AWD system has been specially tuned for the NISMO RS's increased active cornering, helping provide better line control through corners. The system – standard in all JUKE AWD models – is designed to limit understeer by increasing torque to the outside rear wheel, helping the car follow its intended course, while enhancing agility, giving the JUKE NISMO exceptional ride comfort and handling in spite of its higher ground clearance when compared to compact cars. Torque can be split up to a maximum of 50:50 front to rear, as well as shifted from side-to-side across the rear axle, up to 50 percent per 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.
Also adding a significant boost to JUKE NISMO RS's engaging driving dynamics is a series of special body and chassis reinforcements designed to help increase overall rigidity. The additional reinforcements and fixing points are used primarily to increase steering precision and quicker response of the NISMO RS (versus the JUKE NISMO).
In addition, the suspension and steering have been specially tuned to provide a more exciting and agile driving feel (versus non-RS models) without compromising ride comfort and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Spring rates and damping force have been retuned and the front suspension link reinforced to enhance steering feel and response. The NISMO RS's suspension has also been lowered slightly (versus non-NISMO JUKE models), reducing the gap between the tires and wheelwells for a cleaner appearance and improved aerodynamics.
An independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension are utilized on FWD models, while JUKE NISMO and NISMO RS AWD models offer a multi-link rear suspension design. A cradle-type front subframe enhances lateral stiffness of the assembly. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard on all models.
The Electric Power-assist Steering (EPS) has also been retuned for use in the NISMO RS. The JUKE NISMO RS braking system includes 4-wheel vented discs, larger brake rotors in front (12.6 inches versus 11.7 inches), vented rotors in the rear (versus non-vented in non-RS models), red-painted calipers and upgraded brake pads.
Inside, JUKE NISMO RS's biggest departure from the JUKE NISMO is the addition of genuine Recaro® front seats trimmed in red leather-appointed side bolsters and black suede center inserts. The seats, based on the popular Recaro® "Sportster" design, are designed to help hold the driver and front passenger firmly in place during spirited driving. They feature embossed Recaro® and stitched NISMO logos, along with red stitching.
The JUKE NISMO RS also offers an exclusive "RS" logo on the speedometer and charcoal grey suede (with red stitching) meter hood. The surface trim around the center stack and shifter features a special carbon fiber look. The rear seats also feature red stitching. Other standard content includes privacy glass, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start and the I-CON (Integrated Control) system with automatic air conditioning.
Both the JUKE NISMO and JUKE NISMO RS also offer standard Siri™ Eyes Free, which makes it easy to make and receive calls, read and send text messages and emails, select and play music from a compatible device, read notifications, request directions and more.
2017 JUKE NISMO
The JUKE NISMO also features a track-derived design, unique interior treatments and engaging performance, giving JUKE buyers a distinct choice among the affordable S, well-equipped SV, premium SL and extreme NISMO RS grades.
The modifications to the JUKE exterior – shared with the NISMO RS – are designed to enhance the JUKE NISMO's aerodynamics, resulting in a 37-percent improvement in downforce (versus non-NISMO models). Many of the aggressive sport cross styling elements were influenced by NISMO's motorsport expertise, in particular using lessons learned from the styling and engineering of the Nissan GT-R racers that compete in the Super GT series in Japan.
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. The unique front end features a lower and more aggressive design. The prominent upper edge of the large lower grille features a red pinstripe, which drops dramatically to curve around the smaller vents and continues all the way to the front wheel arches. This distinctive NISMO cue gives the nose a visual width and presence while emphasising the JUKE NISMO's athletic stance on the road. The signature Nissan V-Motion grille is finished in a darker shade than non-NISMO JUKE models. To the right of the grille is a NISMO badge with a red "O," stamping NISMO's distinctive motorsport heritage on JUKE. The distinctive JUKE combination lights are smoked as part of the NISMO appearance treatment.
The red pinstripe continues on the flanks of the car at the base of the doors. 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 finished entirely in the body color to give a truly premium feel. The door mirrors are painted red to give a visual indication to the casual observer that this is not a standard Nissan JUKE. The B-pillars are finished in gloss "piano black," also promoting a sleek and sporty image.
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.
Also part of the stunning JUKE NISMO exterior appearance are the unique 18-inch lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/45R18 Continental ContiSportContact5 summer tires, which help give drivers additional grip during cornering and further boost the JUKE NISMO's on-road presence. One inch larger than the standard JUKE wheels, the diamond-cut alloys feature a 10 twin-spoke design and are finished in dark anthracite.
Nissan JUKE NISMO and NISMO RS models are available in three exterior colors – Super Black, Brilliant Silver and White Pearl. All come equipped with red outside door mirrors and the matching pinstripe around the base of the vehicle.
Powering the JUKE NISMO is a 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) Turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine. Rated at 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque (with both 6-speed manual and Xtronic transmissions), the engine design offers enhanced fuel efficiency, improved responsiveness and lower emissions (versus the previous generation design).
These improvements are achieved through increasing the compression ratio to 10.5:1 (from 9.5:1) for enhanced thermal efficiency; a reduction in turbocharger inertia, lowering the maximum torque range by 400 rpm (1,600 – 5,200 rpm versus the previous 2,000 – 5,200 rpm) while maintaining output performance; adoption of a low-pressure EGR system, which helps lower exhaust gas temperature and improve knock sensitivity; use of Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) with a new intermediate lock function on the intake side; a 12 percent reduction in internal friction through use of spray-coated and mirror-finish cylinder bores (versus the previous iron liners), which also improves anti-knock performance and reduces engine weight; adoption of a variable pressure oil pump; and revised piston shape and optimized injector performance. As a result, CO2 emissions have also be reduced by 12 percent.
Every NISMO AWD also includes standard paddle shifters and the Xtronic transmission includes D-Step Logic – adding the feel of a traditional stepped automatic. The JUKE NISMO's vehicle-speed-sensing electric power-assisted steering has a sportier and more direct handling (versus non-NISMO JUKE models). Thanks to increased resistance at the wheel, more feedback is evident at medium and high speeds.
Braking is supplied by power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
A Range of Available Features and Amenities
Both the 2017 JUKE NISMO and JUKE NISMO RS models are offered with a range of features that add a level of convenience equal to its sporty style, including standard NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps, with a 5.8-inch color touch-screen display, USB connection port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Streaming audio via Bluetooth®, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant2 and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately).
Also standard are an advanced Rockford Fosgate ecoPUNCH™ audio system with powered subwoofer, Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD)2, and auto-off headlights. There are no options.
All JUKE NISMO and NISMO RS models come equipped with the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags and seat belt with occupant classification sensors. Also featured are roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection, seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags and front-seat Active Head Restraints (NISMO only).
Other standard equipment includes LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System (VSS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).