Nissan has inserted a fresh dose of badassery into the Nissan Juke Nismo. Meet the Juke Nismo RS,. Attractive, no? The Juke Nismo RS has the same 1.6-litre engine found in its Nismo cousin, but its power has been increased by 18bhp and torque upped by 26lb/ft (35Nm), bringing the total to a not too shabby 215bhp and 210lb/ft (285Nm).
That extra power is the result of a brand new ECU, stronger connecting rods and a new exhaust system, all of which is mated to a 6-speed manual or – if you’re happy to add all-wheel drive at the expense of some engine detuning – an xtronic CVT gearbox.
The Juke Nismo RS benefits from the addition of a limited-slip differential to help keep the added power going where it needs to and reduce torque steer as well as bigger brakes and recalibrated electric power steering, which we’re guessing will make the steering more responsive.
While the exterior is largely unchanged from the Nismo edition (there are a few RS graphics and badges here and there) the interior benefits from Recaro racing seats, which should make the RS feel more sporty for the front passenger and driver, and a steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara leather.
“We expect drivers to feel a noticeable increase in acceleration – especially the manual transmission model – in the RS versus the regular Juke Nismo,” said Pierre Loing, Nissan vice president of product and advanced planning.
“It also holds peak torque longer. Combined with the Helical Limited-Slip Differential, which helps reduce torque steer, the sense of driving excitement is unmatched in the Juke lineup,” he added.
Prices will start at around £22,000. The top-spec Nissan Juke Nismo RS is expected to arrive in the summer of 2014.
Nissan also took the time to confirm a Qashqai Nismo, hinting that it may use the Juke Nismo RS’s engine.
Nissan Juke Nismo RS pictures
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