Nissan has hinted at a high-performance version of the Juke if public reaction to this wild 480bhp GT-R-based concept is positive.
The Juke-R – confirmed by Nissan today after a great deal of speculation last week – is fitted with the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine from Nissan’s flagship GT-R, and also uses a modified version of the coupe’s 4WD driveline, plus its six-speed transaxle.
See the initial sketch and new build pictures of the Nissan Juke-R
Although the Japanese manufacturer says this car itself is not destined for production, it adds that the Juke-R is a "one-off concept to test the public’s reaction to a seriously sporty Juke". The Juke is currently offered with 1.6-litre and 1.6-litre turbo petrol units and a 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel powerplant.
Paul Wilcox, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nissan in Europe, said: “Juke lends itself perfectly to a sports derivative and Juke-R explores that territory. It showcases two of the most exciting cars in our range and highlights the technical innovation that drives Nissan.”
Two examples of the Juke-R will be produced – one each in right and left-hand drive. The interior is fitted with gauges, dials and the LCD screen from the GT-R. Although the car is road legal, it features competition-spec technology such as twin race seats, five-point harnesses and a competition-spec rollcage.
The Juke-R has been developed by motorsport preparation specialist RML, with input from the Nissan Technical Centre for Europe at Cranfield, Bedfordshire. The car is still in development and is expected to start testing in November.
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