Nismo Shows US Future with Nicely Tuned Juke Nismo RS and Sentra

Nissan'sNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
6957 photos
12 videos
Nismo performance brand is trying to raise its international cache. In the last year, it has opened a new world headquarters in Japan, developed the Nismo GT-RNissan GT-R NismoJapan, 2013 > present and released the Juke NismoNissan Juke NismoJapan, 2013 > present5 photos
. At the LA Auto Show, it is showing that it has not forgotten American buyers with concepts for Nismo-tuned versions of the JukeNissan JukeJapan, 2010 > present135 versions
227 photos
1 video
and SentraNissan SentraJapan, 1982 > present6 series
31 versions
72 photos
.

The Juke Nismo RS is a full production model that will join the US Juke lineup in 2014. It uses a 215hp and 210lb-ft tune of Nissan’s 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 18hp and 26lb-ft more than the Juke Nismo, with an added limited-slip differential for manual transmission cars, larger brakes and improved structural rigidity. The power upgrade comes thanks to a tweaked ECU and wider diameter exhaust.

The Juke Nismo RS can be ordered with either a six-speed manual with front-wheel drive or CVT with all-wheel drive. The CVT version is rated at 211hp and 184lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel drive system features torque vectoring that can send power to the needed wheel to mitigate understeer while cornering. Up to 50% of the engine’s power can be sent to any individual wheel if needed.

The six-speed manual gets shorter gearing in 1st through 3rd compared to the Juke Nismo to increase acceleration further, and to handle the power, the manual has a strengthened clutch cover and dual mass flywheel.

Regardless of drivetrain, the cars get retuned dampers and a reinforced front suspension. The power steering system is heavier as well. The 12.6in brakes are nearly an inch larger than the Juke Nismo.

To communicate all of the extra power and tweaks, the front end is lower and more aggressive, and a strip of LEDs has replace the fog lights. There are lower side skirts, and the rear has a lower fascia and larger spoiler.

Styling upgrades for the Juke Nismo RS include front seats by Recaro with fake carbon fiber trim and Alcantara and leather upholstery.

"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, and the best part is, it does it in a very balanced way,” said Pierre Loing, Nissan’s head of product planning in North America.

The only available option is the Navigation package that adds a 5.8in infotainment screen for navigation, rearview camera, USB interface and downloadable apps.

No pricing has been announced yet.

Nismo is also showing off what would be possible if it were allowed to tune the Sentra in the US. The concept uses a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 240hp and 240lb-ft of torque and a six-speed manual.

It also gets exterior modifications like LED running lights and a lower front spoiler. At the rear, the diffuser, spoiler and rear fog light are inspired by the 370Z NismoNissan 370Z NismoJapan, 2014 > present.

The interior gets leather-covered Recaro seats and Alcantara trim.

The car is purely a concept for now, but Nismo if Nismo is serious about raising its number of models, it is not impossible in the future.