The JUKE now has three distinct levels of drivetrain tuning with the addition of the NISMO RS. Every JUKE model starts with one of the most advanced engines, the inline 4-cylinder 1.6-liter DOHC aluminum-alloy Direct Injection Gasoline (DIGTM) turbocharged engine.
The engine’s direct injection helps improve combustion, enhancing power, torque, economy and emissions. The use of the turbocharger and intercooler also helps boost power while the variable timing control for both intake and exhaust cycles improves low-end engine response. For use in the JUKE S, SV and SL grades, the engine is rated at 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The JUKE 1.6 DIGTM turbo NISMO FWD 6MT increases the engine’s performance to 197 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
NISMO RS Engine
The NISMO RS 1.6 DIGTM turbo NISMO FWD 6MT has received tweaks that increases its power to 215 horsepower (at 6,000 RPM) and 210 lb-ft of torque (from 3,600 to 4,800 RPM). The JUKE NISMO RS All-Wheel Drive with Xtronic CVT is rated at 211 horsepower (at 6,000 RPM) and 184 lb-ft of torque (from 2,400 to 6,000 RPM).
Changes to the RS engine that help create the higher power and torque figures include the optimized engine control module (ECU) settings and a revised exhaust system with a larger main tube diameter and revised baffling. The JUKE NISMO RS’s free-flowing exhaust has also been tuned to create a highly visceral sound, worthy of its racing-inspired roots.
The RS engine’s connecting rod durability has also been enhanced for use with higher torque settings with the manual transmission along with a strengthened clutch cover and dual-mass flywheel. The high capacity 6-speed manual used in the JUKE NISMO RS is a different transmission than what’s available in the other JUKE NISMO models as it’s been given lower gear ratios in 1st through 3rd gears for quicker acceleration.
The manual transmission-equipped models offer a standard helical-geared Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) to direct more power to the front wheel with the most traction, helping maintain acceleration during cornering. It also helps reduce torque steer, adding to the sense of driving excitement.
The All-Wheel Drive JUKE NISMO RS models offer improved acceleration and a sportier driving feel. With its steering column-mounted paddle shifters, NISMO RS AWD’s Xtronic transmission utilizes technology found only in the Nissan Maxima sports sedan for an available manual feel. The Xtronic’s manual mode offers eight-step “gearing” versus the JUKE NISMO Xtronic’s seven and the base JUKE Xtronic’s six steps.
The advanced torque vectoring AWD system has been specially tuned for the NISMO RS to help increase active cornering to provide better line control through corners. The system, which is standard in all 2014 JUKE AWD models, was designed to limit understeer by increasing torque to the outside rear wheel while helping the car follow its intended course. This helps enhance agility, giving the JUKE NISMO exceptional ride comfort and handling in spite of its higher ground clearance when compared to compact cars. Torque can be split up to a maximum of 50:50 between the front and rear. In addition to moving power between the front and rear wheels, the multi-sensor system automatically transfers rear-wheel power to the left or right, depending on which needs it more.
The AWD system collects information from various sources (measuring wheel speed, steering angle, yaw rate and lateral G-force) and interprets it to anticipate the driver’s intentions. System actions are relayed to the driver via a real-time graphic display on the instrument panel, depicting the torque distribution under all conditions.
The JUKE NISMO RS’s driving dynamics have been bolstered by adding a series of strategic body strengthening and chassis reinforcements designed to help increase torsional stiffness and overall rigidity. The additional reinforcements and fixing points are used primarily to increase steering precision and response of the NISMO RS versus the JUKE NISMO.
New Tuning for Suspension, Steering and Braking
The suspension and steering have been specially tuned for the JUKE NISMO RS to provide a more exciting and agile driving feel (versus non-RS models). This is achieved without compromising ride comfort and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Spring rates and damping force have been retuned and the front suspension link reinforced to enhance steering feel and response.
Like the JUKE NISMO, the NISMO RS’s suspension has been lowered slightly versus non-NISMO JUKE models. This was done to reduce the gap between the tires and wheelwells for a cleaner appearance and improved aerodynamics. An independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension are utilized on FWD models while JUKE NISMO and NISMO RS AWD models offer a multi-link rear suspension design. A cradle-type front subframe enhances lateral stiffness of the assembly. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard on all models.
The Electric Power-assist Steering (EPS) has also been retuned for use in the NISMO RS. The JUKE NISMO RS braking system has been enhanced for even better resistance to fade under repeated hard use. It includes powerassisted 4-wheel discs with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The RS also has larger brake rotors in front (12.6 inches versus 11.7 inches), ventilated rear discs (versus non-vented in non-RS models), red-painted calipers and upgraded brake pads.
Exterior and Interior Modifications
The JUKE NISMO RS shares much of its racing-inspired exterior modifications with the JUKE NISMO. The NISMO RS shows a 37-percent improvement in aerodynamic performance as the front fascia and grille have been modified to better control air flow to the engine. The unique front end features a lower and more aggressive design. The regular fog lights have been replaced by thin-strip LED accent lights, positioned at the top edge of the small vents to the side of the larger grille. The signature Nissan V-strut grille is finished in a darker shade than standard JUKE models. The distinctive JUKE combination lights are smoked as part of the NISMO appearance treatment.
The sculpted side skirts were designed to enhance aerodynamic performance by directing airf low around the rear wheels and away from the car as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The JUKE NISMO RS’s muscular, body-colored wheel arches enhance the visual stance while the door mirrors are painted red to give a visual indication that this is not a standard Nissan JUKE. The B-pillars are finished in gloss “piano black,” also promoting a sleek and sporty image.
In the rear, the bumper is deeper than on non-NISMO models and the unique bodycolored liftgate spoiler and rear fascia diffuser complete the body modifications.
The unique 18-inch lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/45R18 Continental ContiSportContact5 summer tires help give drivers additional grip during cornering and further boost the JUKE NISMO RS’s on-road presence. The diamond-cut alloys feature a 10 twin-spoke design and are finished in dark anthracite.
The JUKE NISMO RS’s biggest interior departure from the JUKE NISMO is the addition of genuine Recaro® front seats trimmed in red leatherappointed side bolsters and black suede center inserts. These seats, based on the popular Recaro® “Sportster” design, are designed to help hold the driver and front passenger firmly in place. They feature embossed Recaro® and stitched NISMO logos along with red stitching.
The JUKE NISMO RS also offers other standard content, including privacy glass, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start and the I-CON (Integrated Control) system with automatic air conditioning.
Integrated Control (I-CON) System
The Integrated Control (I-CON) system drive mode selector offers three different throttle/ transmission/steering response settings: Normal for everyday driving, Sport for a more intense performance feel and Eco for maximum efficiency. It adjusts throttle, transmission (CVT only) and steering feel for the precise performance the driver desires. I-CON also serves as a central command center and display module, adopting different display colors and functions depending on how it is being used. In Climate mode, the display shows the interior temperature settings while the buttons display air flow preferences. In “D-Mode,” the buttons change to the three driving modes and the display shows engine and drive-related dials and information.
There is just one option package available with the JUKE NISMO RS, the Navigation Package. It comes with a 5.8-inch touch-screen, 3D-effect map views, Voice Recognition for audio and Navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM TravelLink™ (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), NissanConnectSM with Navigation system with Mobile Apps; Rockford Fosgate® ecoPUNCH™ audio system; USB interface (iPod® compatible), and RearView Monitor.
