To be honest, no news this week excited me more than the one from Japanese automaker Nissan , which says that their popular Juke Nismo crossover will make its official world debut today at the famous 24-hour race at the circuit in Le Mans.
What do we already know about the connection of the Juke with the Nissan factory modifier ( Nissan Motorsport )? The concept of a more powerful Juke was first presented to us at the Tokyo International Motor Show last year, where it received a well-deserved standing ovation. At the time, however, there was only speculation about whether this concept had a chance of success. Well, the feedback was really great and Nissan basically couldn't have decided otherwise. Let's let bygones be bygones and take a look at the Juke in Nismo trim today. We still see a playful little car that, with its design, divides the motoring public into two irreconcilable camps. However, thanks to the attractive optical package, I am not afraid to say that the number of fans has increased many times. This is mainly due to the completely new front bumper, which makes you forget about the unsightly round openings, as well as the extended fenders, side sill extensions and rear diffuser. I also cannot forget the 18-inch alloy wheels, integrated LED diodes for daytime running lights or the new radiator grille. The Juke just looks fantastic.
It's not boring inside the cabin either. There we will find new sports seats with contrasting stitching, a new steering wheel, aluminum pedals and gear lever head. There's one thing I haven't mentioned so far. And the drive unit.
Under the hood will be a turbocharged 16-liter gasoline engine with an output of around 200 horsepower. For better control over the car, the Juke is supplemented with stiffer and sportier suspension and transverse stabilizers.
And when will European customers drive in the Juke in the Nismo package for the first time? Unfortunately, not until January next year.
