Nissan Premieres Juke Nismo at Le Mans

Given that NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
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is powering more cars at Le Mans than any other make, it makes sense that it would use the race to debut a new sports car. What no one expected is that the new sporty model would be another tuned version of the JukeNissan JukeJapan, 2010 > present135 versions
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. Although when you consider that it shares an engine, at least basically, with the DeltawingNissan DeltaWingJapan, 2012 > present19 photos
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, the decision to reveal the car at the race does make some sense. 

The production Juke NismoNissan Juke NismoJapan, 2013 > present5 photos
premieres today at the Nissan stand at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It gets a new body kit with a white upper portion and black and red lower portion of the body. It has larger 18in wheels and a simulated rear diffuser. Nissan says that it has tuned the 1.6 liter turbo engine as well, but it is not revealing what exactly it has done. The suspension is stiffer than stock; it comes with heavier steering and Nissan says torque vectoring all-wheel drive will be an option. 

Inside, the car wears a unique steering wheel, pedals, gauges, gearshift knob and door panels. The seats have larger bolsters and are suede-trimmed with red stitching. 

"The introduction of Juke Nismo further cements our dedication to provide innovation and excitement for everyone. The Juke, with its radical design and pioneering attitude, is the natural choice to be one of the first Nissan models to receive the mythical performance and distinctive design treatment from our Nismo specialists," said Andy Palmer, Nissan Vice President for Product Planning. 

The Juke Nismo will basically fill the role between the current top Juke turboNissan Juke 1.6 Turbo 4x4...Japan, 2011 > present3 photos
and the Juke-RNissan Juke-R ConceptJapan, 2011 > present17 photos
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. If you do not have enough money to request Nissan build you a Juke-R, you can buy the Nismo and still get some of the fun. 

Nissan says that the Juke Nismo will be built in Sunderland, England, and will go on sale in Europe January, 2013. It will launch in the US and Japan later on. 

Nissan will display the Juke Nismo with the Juke-R and a model of the Deltawing at its booth at Le Mans