2011 Nissan JUKE Press Kit

The all-new 2011 Nissan JUKE sport cross, which hits Nissan dealer showrooms in the United States in September 2010, draws on a number of active lifestyle influences, including motorcycles and rally cars, to create a breakthrough design among traditional B-segment hatchbacks. Along with its bold design and highly distinctive, sporty styling inside and out, JUKE brings unexpected levels of performance from a standard 188-horsepower 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) turbo 4-cylinder engine and an advanced torque vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD) system – performance technology usually reserved for premium vehicles.

“Nissan has always been a company willing to stretch the envelope, to combine seemingly contradictory principles and make it work – such as ‘affordable’ and ‘performance’ to create the original Z®, or ‘small footprint’ and ‘big interior’ in the current Nissan cube,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “JUKE is about to shake up the market with a boldness, style and sense of fun that it has never seen before – at a time when segment sales are expanding with buyers looking for just such a combination.”

A Bold Urban Sport Cross
JUKE fuses the best qualities of a sports car, including a sporty driving position, dynamic handling and powerful turbo engine, with the best aspects of an SUV – such as a robust lower body, raised ground height, improved visibility, confident stance and available all-wheel drive. These qualities come together in a uniquely Nissan way with value, quality, safety and driving pleasure.

JUKE’s aggressive styling brings a breath of fresh air to the segment. Built on Nissan’s proven global B-platform, JUKE features a powerful front end treatment with the turn signals integrated into the front fenders, a high beltline and coupe-like falling roofline.

Other exterior details include body-colored outside mirrors and front door handles, and “hidden” rear door handles.

JUKE also offers generous ground clearance with standard 17-inch wheels and tires. Adding to the authentic SUV look is a broad shoulder line, large wheel arches and robust lower bodywork that seems to emerge from under the vehicle. Above the waistline, JUKE shows its sporty side with a raked windshield, upswept rear side windows and canopy-like glass. The lights also reflect JUKE’s sporty agility, with the front lights split into two distinct elements, with the main lamps drawing inspiration from rally car lights. Fog lights are available, depending on trim level. In the rear, the taillights share a resemblance with the distinctive “boomerang” design found on the latest generation Nissan 370Z. The JUKE color palette includes a range of eight exterior offerings.

The JUKE interior is equally aggressive with bolstered front seats, a wide instrument panel and a unique center console inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank and finished in a high-gloss paint. The gearshift sits on top of the console, inspired by sports car driver/shifter positioning.

“The center console design clearly makes the statement that JUKE is no ordinary compact crossover,” said Castignetti. “It’s an unexpected touch that reinforces JUKE’s active, sporty attitude, while also helping create a sense of a true driver’s cockpit.”

Another unique element of the JUKE interior is the Integrated Control (I-CON) system drive mode selector, which 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 ride 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.

Despite JUKE’s overall compact dimensions, the interior offers segment competitive roominess and space for five adults. In the rear, a fold-down 60/40-split bench seat and flat load floor provide passenger and cargo hauling flexibility.

Among the long list of standard JUKE interior features are a 6-way manual driver’s seat and 4-way manual front passenger seat, dual front and rear beverage holders, speed-sensitive automatic door locks, AM/FM/CD audio system with steering wheel controls, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Interface System for iPod® and storage under the rear cargo floor (FWD models only).

Available interior features include available premium cloth fabrics, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, RearView Monitor, Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition, XM® Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately), upgraded speakers with Rockford Fosgate powered subwoofer, USB connector for iPod® and other devices, power sliding moonroof and privacy glass. Also available is the Nissan Navigation System 5.0-inch screen and XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information (XM subscription required, sold separately). Three interior colors are offered: Black, Gray and Black/Red.

An Advanced Drivetrain
Powering the all-new JUKE is a standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine rated at 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The engine, the first application in North America, combines the best of both worlds – spirited performance and good fuel economy. Direct injection helps improve combustion, enhancing power, torque, economy and emissions. The use of the turbocharger and intercooler also help boost power, while the variable timing control for both intake and exhaust cycles improves low-end engine response.

Two transmissions are offered – Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) with S-Mode and a 6-speed manual transmission (SV FWD and SL FWD models only).

Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg City and 32 Highway for JUKE FWD models equipped with the CVT and 24 mpg City and 31 Highway for JUKE FWD 6-speed manual transmission equipped models. JUKE AWD CVT models are rated at 25 mpg City and 30 mpg Highway.

“The combination of 188 horsepower and 32 mpg fuel economy is another unbeatable feature of the new JUKE,” said Castignetti. “It’s a win-win combination.”

JUKE’s new torque vectoring AWD system not only splits torque up to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels, it also can split torque from side-to-side across the rear axle. By monitoring vehicle speed, wheel speed, gear position, steering angle, lateral G forces and vehicle yaw rate, torque can be increased to the outside rear wheel in corners to help reduce understeer and enhance the car’s cornering feel. In total, up to 50% of the total available engine torque can be sent to either rear wheel.

JUKE features a standard independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, while JUKE 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.

Also standard is vehicle-speed-sensing electric power-assisted steering. Braking is supplied by power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). JUKE rides on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P215/55R17 all-season tires.

“JUKE has a small footprint but the solid feel and ride comfort of a larger vehicle,” said Castignetti. “The direct injection turbocharged engine lets you tap into serious power when you want, while offering the fuel-efficiency of a small displacement engine. In the same way, the new torque vectoring AWD system allows all-wheel drive performance in conjunction with enhanced maneuverability. It’s a great grouping of features for a vehicle in this segment.”

Every 2011 JUKE comes equipped with the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage, dual-threshold front air bags and seat belt and occupant classification sensors, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection, seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags and front-seat Active Head Restraints.

Other standard equipment includes LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System (VSS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

The 2011 Nissan JUKE sport cross is offered in eight well-equipped models: JUKE S CVT FWD, JUKE S CVT AWD, JUKE SV CVT FWD, JUKE SV M/T FWD, JUKE SV CVT AWD, JUKE SL CVT FWD, JUKE SL M/T FWD and JUKE SL CVT AWD.

Only one option package is offered – the Navigation Package, which includes a Secure Digital (SD) Card-based Nissan Navigation System with 5-inch color touch screen display and XM NavTraffic® capability (XM® subscription required, sold separately), upgraded speakers and Rockford Fosgate-powered subwoofer and USB connectivity (iPod® compatible).

Distinctive, independent, adaptive and confident. Four words that describe the 2011 Nissan JUKE sport cross – and that also fit JUKE’s prospective buyers. Unlike traditional entries in the fast-growing compact hatchback/crossover market today, the all-new JUKE offers bold styling, unexpected levels of performance and an advanced torque vectoring AWD system with performance technology usually reserved for premium vehicles.

JUKE’s aggressive styling, derived from the dramatic Nissan Qazana Concept, brings a breath of fresh air to the segment. Built on Nissan’s proven global B-platform, JUKE looks exactly like it drives – fun, bold and exciting. It features a powerful front end treatment with the turn signals integrated into the front fenders, a high beltline and coupe-like falling roofline. Other exterior details include body-colored outside mirrors and front door handles, “hidden” rear door handles and standard 17-inch wheels and tires.

The JUKE interior is equally aggressive with bolstered front seats, a wide instrument panel and a unique center console inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank and finished in a high-gloss paint. The gear shift sits on top of the console, with a high-mounted shift lever for sporty driving. In the rear, a fold-down 60/40-split bench seat and flat load floor provide passenger and cargo hauling flexibility. Available interior features range from leather-appointed seats and RearView Monitor to Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Start and Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately). A long list of safety features is also standard, including six air bags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).

Powering JUKE is a standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine rated at 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The engine, the first application in North America, combines the power of a larger engine with the fuel efficiency of a smaller powerplant. Two transmissions are offered – Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) with S-Mode and a 6-speed manual transmission (SV FWD and SL FWD models only). Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg City and 32 mpg Highway for JUKE CVT FWD models.

JUKE’s torque vectoring AWD system splits torque up to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels and can also split torque from side-to-side across the rear axle. When cornering, the system helps reduce understeer and enhance the vehicle’s cornering feel.

Another new-to-Nissan technology debuting on JUKE is the innovative Integrated Control (I-CON) system. It combines control of the automatic A/C and the three-mode drive selector – Normal for everyday driving, Sport for a more intense performance feel and Eco for maximum efficiency, adjusting throttle, transmission (CVT) and steering feel for the precise ride the driver desires.

The 2011 Nissan JUKE sport cross is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in September 2010.

Highlights of the 2011 Nissan JUKE include:

Body

• Aggressive sport crossover styling
• Multi-reflector halogen headlights
• Turn signals integrated into upper front fenders
• Body-colored outside mirrors and front door handles
• “Hidden” black-colored rear door handles
• Body-colored front and rear bumpers
• Rear liftgate with fixed glass
• Intermittent rear window wiper
• Available auto on/off headlight
• Available fog lights
• Offered in eight exterior colors

Engine and Driveline

• Nissan “B” platform
• Front engine, front-wheel drive
• Available torque vectoring AWD system, which helps reduce understeer when cornering and enhances cornering feel
• Standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) Turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder with 188 horsepower, 177 lb-ft of torque
• Standard Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) with S-Mode
• Available 6-speed manual transmission (SV FWD and SL FWD models only)

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• Independent MacPherson strut front suspension
• Torsion beam rear suspension (FWD) or multi-link rear suspension (AWD models only)
• Front and rear stabilizer bars
• Vehicle-speed-sensing electric power-assisted steering
• Power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
• 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P215/55R17 all-season tires

Interior Features

• 5-passenger seating
• Cockpit-like seating with raised console/shifter for controllability and quick response
• Unique center console design, created to look like a sport motorcycle tank, while also supporting driver’s knee during cornering
• High eye-point for increased visibility
• Available Integrated Control (I-CON) system with climate and Drive Mode (D-Mode) settings; D-Mode allows the driver to choose between three drive modes (Sport, Normal, Eco)
• Cloth seat fabric with available premium fabric
• 6-way manual driver’s seat, 4-way manual front passenger seat
• 60/40 fold-down 2nd row seats for increased cargo room
• Available leather-appointed seats
• Available heated front seats
• Available leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Storage under rear cargo floor (FWD models only)
• Dual front and rear beverage holder
• Speed-sensitive automatic door locks
• Standard steering wheel-mounted audio controls
• Standard Interface System for iPod®
• Available USB connector for iPod® and similar devices
• AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, available upgraded speakers with Rockford Fosgate subwoofer
• Standard Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System with steering wheel controls
• Available RearView Monitor
• Available Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Start
• Available Nissan Navigation System with 5-inch color touch-screen display and XM NavTraffic® capability (XM® subscription required, sold separately)
• Available XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately)
• Available power moonroof
• Available privacy glass
• Offered in three interior colors: Black (with Gray console/trim), Gray (with Gray console/trim) and Black/Red (with Red console/trim)

Safety and Security

• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage, dual-threshold front air bags and seat belt and occupant classification sensors
• Standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection
• Standard seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags
• Front-seat Active Head Restraints
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
• Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
• Vehicle Security System (VSS)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS)

Models and Manufacturing

• Offered in eight well-equipped models: JUKE S CVT FWD, JUKE S CVT AWD, JUKE SV CVT FWD, JUKE SV M/T FWD, JUKE SV CVT AWD, JUKE SL CVT FWD, JUKE SL M/T FWD, JUKE SL CVT AWD
• Assembled by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd in Oppama, Japan