Two major international auto shows and many positive reactions were enough for Nissan to make a decision on the development of a production version of its sported-up Juke Nismo, which we first laid eyes on at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show.
Previewed once again as a concept model at the Geneva Motor Show this week, the Juke Nismo will be built at Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK in Sunderland alongside the regular Juke with European sales to start towards the end of 2012.
Nissan has not yet said if and when the Juke Nismo will be available in other markets around the world.
“The Juke Nismo Concept gives a strong indication of how the production model will look and showcases Juke’s performance credentials,” said Andy Palmer, Nissan Motors vice president.
“It combines the current Juke design, with its unique combination of sports coupé lines and SUV styling, with Nismo’s aerodynamic know-how. Add enhanced performance and even sharper handling and Juke Nismo is a car that just begs to be driven,” he added.
Nissan said it will release detailed specification closer to launch, but the company confirmed that the Juke Nismo will be offered in front- and all-wheel drive flavors, both of which will have revised suspension settings and a tuned turbocharged engine (most likely based on the 1.6-liter Turbo).
The styling upgrades previewed by the concept model include a comprehensive aero kit and 19-inch alloy wheels while Nismo touches can be found inside as well such as the sports steering wheel, seats, pedals, gauges, gear knob and door trims.
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