Powering JUKE is a standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) Turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine rated at 180+ horsepower and 170+ lb-ft of torque. The engine, the first application in North America, combines energetic performance and good fuel economy. 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).
JUKE's torque vectoring AWD system splits torque up to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels and can also can 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. The I-CON system functions in one setting as a controller for the automatic climate control system, and in the other offers a drive mode selector with three different throttle/transmission (CVT)/steering response settings - Normal for everyday driving, Sport for a more intense performance feel and Eco for maximum efficiency.
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 the "D-Mode," the buttons change to the three driving modes and the display shows engine and drive related dials and information.
Source: http://www.nissannews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1369&mid=1
Automotive News | September 13, 2010 - 12:01 am EST
©2010 Crain Communications, Inc.
NASHVILLE -- Nissan's new Juke blurs the line on conventional definitions. It is a crossover-slash-sports car and a challenger in the B segment, or subcompact category. The Juke has just a 1.6-liter engine, but it is turbocharged and delivers 188 hp. And although priced under $20,000 to compete with Mini Coopers and the Suzuki SX4, it offers a generous list of features.
The Juke goes on sale in October starting at $19,710, including shipping. The sticker maxes out, fully loaded, at $25,300 with shipping.
Conceived as a European product, designed in London and manufactured in England, Juke's U.S. version will be imported from Japan.
The vehicle is six inches shorter than Nissan's smallest U.S. model, the Versa hatchback, but sits on a wider track with a shorter wheelbase and larger wheels.
The base model is packaged with an iPod dock, Bluetooth, remote keyless entry and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The top model gets navigation, heated leather seats, rearview monitor, moonroof and an audio subwoofer.
Masking the Juke's diminutive size are larger-than-normal body features. The back hips bulge and the front wheel wells suggest the biceps of a body builder. The turn signal lights and running lights are abnormally long and positioned high along the hood opening, while the headlights sit deep inside large front bumper caverns.
Inside, a single set of dash lights and controls change color to become drive-mode settings in one appearance and climate controls on the other.
Nissan has packaged a sports-car feel into a petite utility vehicle. One Nissan planner notes that the vehicle is designed for guys who want cargo space, but not so much cargo space that people call them every weekend to help move furniture.
Nissan has created a small-engine/small-vehicle alternative for consumers motivated by fuel economy, the muscular and racy Juke.
Nissan thinks the small-crossover market is big enough that it can afford to carve out a nontraditional piece of it for sporty, turbocharged driving.
--by Lindsay Chappell
Source:http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100913/RETAIL03/309139871&template=printart