Los Angeles 2013: Nissan Juke Nismo RS
Nissan has debuted the 2014 Juke Nismo RS at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Sporty compact crossover is the most powerful in the Juke lineup and receives a set of features that make it more sporty and entertaining.
The Juke Nismo RS comes in a front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive model, each powered powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four. The FWD version produces 215 horsepower and 210 pound feet of torque, routed to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. It also is equipped with a helical limited-slip differential. The AWD model offers 211 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, with a CVT putting the power to all four wheels with torque vectoring. Both feature a revised exhaust system with what Nissan promises is a “highly visceral sound.”
The sport-tuned suspension of the Nismo RS is lowered a bit compared to the standard Juke. The FWD car uses an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, with front and rear stabilizer bars. The AWD model uses a multi-link rear suspension, also with front and rear stabilizer bars.
The electric power-assisted steering has also been tuned especially for the Juke Nismo RS.
Standard on the Nismo RS are 18-inch 10-spoke lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels equipped with Continental ContiSportContact5 summer tires. The vented disc brakes feature 12.6-inch rotors, upgraded brake pads, and red-painted calipers.
The aerodynamics of the Nismo RS are improved 37 percent over the standard Juke, with a revised front fascia and grille, sculpted side skirts, liftgate spoiler, and rear diffuser. LED accent lights replace the standard fog lights, and the headlights get a smoked treatment. A red stripe starts at the bottom part of grille and continues along the side of the car at the side skirts, and to the rear of the car. The Juke Nismo RS also features red mirror covers and piano black B-pillars.
Inside the car, the Recaro “Sportster” front seats have red leather side bolsters and black suede inserts. The steering wheel features Alcantara trim. The instrument cluster features a dark grey suede hood, and the center stack is surrounded with a carbon fiber look.
The Navigation Package with NissanConnect is the sole option package available for the Juke Nismo RS. Operated via a 5.8-inch touchscreen, it includes voice recognition, NissanConnect apps, NavTraffic capability, Rockford Fosgate ecoPUNCH audio, and RearView monitor.
See more of the Juke Nismo RS in the attached gallery. Scroll down for more details in the press release, below.
2014 JUKE NISMO RS Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show – Offers More Power, Handling and Race-Style Interior
- New JUKE NISMO RS, the third model in 2014 JUKE lineup, combines sporty design with enhanced performance
- Features best-in-class* 215 horsepower, 210 lb-ft of torque and Helical Limited-Slip Differential (manual transmission), along with additional structural rigidity and larger brakes (versus non-NISMO RS models)
- Special NISMO RS interior treatment includes genuine Recaro front seats, carbon fiber-look finishers, special red-and-black color theme with, suede, Alcantara® and leather appointments
- Set for early 2014 availability at Nissan dealers nationwide
LOS ANGELES – To understand the difference between the Nissan JUKE sports crossover, the recently introduced JUKE NISMO and the new JUKE NISMO RS – which makes its North American debut today at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show – the one word is all that’s needed: More.
"The concept behind the development of the new JUKE NISMO RS is giving the customers exactly what they have been asking for – more power, handling and exclusive equipment like Recaro seats and Alcantara®-wrapped steering wheel," said Pierre Loing, Vice President, Product and Advanced Planning and Strategy, Nissan North America, Inc. "And the best part is, it does it in a very balanced way, delivering up to 215 horsepower in combination with unique body and suspension upgrades."
The idea of creating vehicles that can be driven everyday to work, but that you want to drive them the long, winding way home, is central to the NISMO design philosophy. As Nissan’s performance group, with its vision and name derived from NISsan MOtorsports, NISMO is applying its near-50 years of engineering experience and expertise to an expanding range of affordable production vehicles. Like the 370Z NISMO and JUKE NISMO before it, the new JUKE NISMO RS ups the excitement level for the driver while still remaining attainable for the average consumer.
"JUKE buyers now have six distinct ways to experience ‘Innovation and excitement for all’ – the premium level of features and equipment offered by the JUKE S, SV and SL models, the sporty appearance and upgraded power of the JUKE NISMO, and the race car-inspired design and fun-to-drive performance of the new JUKE NISMO RS," added Loing.
Unique Engine, Suspension, Steering and Brake Tuning
With the addition of the NISMO RS, JUKE buyers now have three distinct levels of drivetrain tuning to choose from to fit their driving style and needs. Every JUKE model starts with one of the most advanced engines in the Nissan portfolio – an inline 4-cylinder 1.6-liter DOHC aluminum-alloy Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) turbocharged engine.
With the addition of the NISMO RS, JUKE buyers now have three distinct levels of drivetrain tuning to choose from to fit their driving style and needs. Every JUKE model starts with one of the most advanced engines in the Nissan portfolio – an inline 4-cylinder 1.6-liter DOHC aluminum-alloy Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) turbocharged engine.
The engine’s direct injection helps improve combustion, enhancing power, torque, economy and emissions. The use of the turbocharger and intercooler also help boost power, while the variable timing control for both intake and exhaust cycles improves low-end engine response. For use in the JUKE S, SV and SL grades, the engine is rated at 188-horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.
The JUKE NISMO increases the engine’s performance to 197 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Also added to the JUKE NISMO are a NISMO-tuned suspension and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
As "king" of the JUKE line, the new NISMO RS ups JUKE’s bragging rights to a best-in-class* 215 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) and 210 lb-ft of torque (at 3,600 – 4,800 rpm) for the 6-speed manual transmission-equipped front-wheel drive model. The JUKE NISMO RS All-Wheel Drive with Xtronic CVT® is rated at 211 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) and 184 lb-ft of torque (at 2,400 – 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 been tuned to create a highly visceral sound worthy of its racing-inspired roots," said Loing.
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 new, high capacity 6-speed manual used in the JUKE NISMO RS is a different transmission than available in the other JUKE NISMO models and uses lower gear ratios in 1st through 3rd gears for quicker acceleration. Manual transmission-equipped models also offer a standard helical-geared Limited-Slip Differential (LSD).
"We expect drivers to feel a noticeable increase in acceleration – especially the manual transmission model – in the RS versus the regular JUKE NISMO. It also holds peak torque longer. Combined with the Helical Limited-Slip Differential, which helps reduce torque steer, the sense of driving excitement is unmatched in the JUKE lineup," said Loing.
All-Wheel Drive JUKE NISMO RS models also offer improved acceleration and a sportier driving feel. With its all-new steering column-mounted paddle shifters, NISMO RS AWD’s CVT utilizes technology found only in the Nissan Maxima sports sedan for an available manual feel. The CVT’s manual mode offers eight step "gearing" versus the JUKE NISMO CVT’s seven and base JUKE CVT’s six steps.
In addition, the advanced torque vectoring AWD system has been specially tuned for the NISMO RS’s increased active cornering, providing better line control through corners. The system – standard in all 2014 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.
A significant bolster 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, used primarily for the higher torque front-wheel drive model, contribute to the increased steering precision and quicker response of the NISMO RS versus the JUKE NISMO," said Loing.
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 reset and the front suspension link reinforced to enhance steering feel and response.
Like the JUKE NISMO, the NISMO RS’s suspension has 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.
"The JUKE NISMO RS has all of the actual hardware to go with the increased power, just as you’d expect from NISMO – which through its decades of motorsports experience understands that ‘fast’ alone is not enough, a car must be ‘balanced" to provide real performance," summed up Loing.
Racing-Inspired Exterior and Interior
The new JUKE NISMO RS shares much of its racing-inspired exterior modifications with the JUKE NISMO. Compared to the standard JUKE, JUKE NISMO and NISMO RS show a 37-percent improvement in aerodynamic performance – thanks to items such as 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 regular fog lights have been replaced by thin-strip LED accent lights, positioned at the top edge of small vents to the side of the larger grille.
The new JUKE NISMO RS shares much of its racing-inspired exterior modifications with the JUKE NISMO. Compared to the standard JUKE, JUKE NISMO and NISMO RS show a 37-percent improvement in aerodynamic performance – thanks to items such as 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 regular fog lights have been replaced by thin-strip LED accent lights, positioned at the top edge of small vents to the side of the larger grille.
A NISMO-themed "red stripe" accent line starts on the upper edge of the large lower grille and curves 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 emphasizing the Juke NISMO’s athletic stance on the road. The signature Nissan V-strut grille is finished in a darker shade than standard JUKE models. The distinctive JUKE combination lights are smoked as part of the NISMO appearance treatment.
Subtle NISMO RS badges with a red "O" are located on the front grille and to the right of the rear liftgate. The red pinstripe continues on the flanks of the car at the base of the doors. The sculpted side skirts 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 and NISMO RS’s visual stance, the wheel arches are more muscular and are body colored. The door mirrors are painted red to give a visual indication that these are not standard Nissan JUKEs. 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. The unique body-colored liftgate spoiler and rear fascia diffuser complete the body modifications.
Also part of the dramatic 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 and NISMO RS’s on-road presence. The diamond-cut alloys feature a 10 twin-spoke design and are finished in dark anthracite. The 2014 Nissan JUKE NISMO RS is available in three exterior colors – Sapphire Black, Brilliant Silver and Pearl White.
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 hold the driver and front passenger firmly in place during spirited driving. They feature embossed Recaro and NISMO logos, along with red stitching.
The JUKE NISMO RS also offers an Alcantara®–trimmed steering wheel and 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.
Similar to the JUKE NISMO, the rear seats also feature red stitching. Like the JUKE NISMO, other standard content includes privacy glass, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start and the I-CON (Integrated Control) system with automatic air conditioning.
Just one option package is available with the JUKE NISMO RS, the Navigation Package with NissanConnect™ with Navigation system with 5.8-inch touch-screen, 3D-effect map views, Voice Recognition and NavTraffic capability (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately); NissanConnect™ Apps; Rockford Fosgate ecoPUNCH™ audio system; USB interface (iPod® compatible); and RearView Monitor.
The Real Deal
Said Loing: "The new JUKE NISMO RS is the real deal. It starts with racing-inspired aerodynamics, and high-quality attention to detail. It adds a race-style driver-machine interface with racing-style seats, gauges, shifter and steering wheel. Then it caps it all off with enhanced power and traction, agile handling and improved exhaust system. It’s the JUKE enthusiasts have been asking for."
Said Loing: "The new JUKE NISMO RS is the real deal. It starts with racing-inspired aerodynamics, and high-quality attention to detail. It adds a race-style driver-machine interface with racing-style seats, gauges, shifter and steering wheel. Then it caps it all off with enhanced power and traction, agile handling and improved exhaust system. It’s the JUKE enthusiasts have been asking for."
For full information on the 2014 Nissan JUKE and JUKE NISMO, please visit NissanNews.com. Additional information on the 2014 JUKE NISMO RS, including full specifications, will be available at a later date.
Key Specifications
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JUKE NISMO RS FWD
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JUKE NISMO RS AWD
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Engine
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1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve, turbocharger with intercooler, sequential Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™)
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1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve, turbocharger with intercooler, sequential Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™)
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Transmission
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6-speed manual
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Xtronic CVT®
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Horsepower
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215 hp @6,000 rpm
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211 hp @ 6,000 rpm
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Torque
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210 lb-ft @3,600 – 4,800 rpm
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184 lb-ft @ 2,400 – 6,000 rpm
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Differential
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Helical Limited-Slip
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Standard
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Drive Configuration
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Front-wheel drive
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Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with torque vectoring
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Suspension
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Independent strut front / torsion bar rear, front and rear stabilizer bars
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Independent strut front / multi-link rear, front and rear stabilizer bars
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Steering
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NISMO-tuned Electric Power-assisted
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NISMO-tuned Electric Power-assisted
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Brakes
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4-wheel vented disc, red painted calipers
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4-wheel vented disc, red-painted calipers
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Wheels
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NISMO 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
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NISMO 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
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Tires
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225/45R18 Continental ContiSportContact5 summer tires
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225/45R18 Continental ContiSportContact5 summer tires
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* Wards’ Small Cross/Utility Segmentation. 2014 Juke NISMO RS v. 2014 competitors.
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