Nissan Juke Shiro, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

• Nissan Juke Shiro, 2012

The Nissan Juke Shiro, a new top-of-the-range version of the hugely successful Juke, has arrived giving greater choice to customers looking for a car that's truly distinctive.

Launched at the 2012 Brussels Motor Show, Nissan Juke Shiro is aptly named. Shiro means white in Japanese, and the interior of the new version is dominated by a number of white flashes. The centre console, inspired by the shape of a motorcycle fuel tank, has until now only been available in red or grey; in Shiro, it's white. It's the same story when it comes to the door armrests which have white cappings.

The leather wrapped steering wheel, gear lever knob and the edges of the leather seats all feature white stitching while the seats themselves have a double layer feature on the squab and backrest with a white background colour that shows through the perforated leather facing.

Against a predominantly black and dark grey interior, the white elements provide a chic contrast and give customers even more opportunity to personalise their Juke.

Externally, Nissan Juke Shiro can be identified by its stylish dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels, the satin silver finish to the door handles and mirror caps and the glossy B-pillar. Although Juke Shiro is available in any of the colours available to all Juke models, it does have one unique hue in its palette: Nightshade, a sophisticated deep aubergine colour.

Nissan Juke Shiro builds on the top Tekna grade and is available with all three engine choices - 81kW (110PS) 1.5-litre dCi; 86kW (117PS) normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol; and the turbocharged direct injection petrol 1.6-litre DIG-T which develops 140kW (190PS). All are front-wheel drive and are coupled to a five- or six-speed manual transmission depending on the engine.

The Nissan Juke Shiro 1.6-litre DIG-T version is also available with Nissan's advanced All-Mode 4x4-i four-wheel drive system which incorporates torque-vectoring technology and which is coupled to the latest generation CVT transmission. The Torque Vectoring System (TVS) - unique to Juke in this class - is designed to limit understeer giving Juke class-leading handling in spite of its higher ground clearance, while still preserving ride comfort.

Comprehensive standard technology includes Nissan Connect - Nissan's advanced media, communication and navigation centre - a colour reversing camera, Intelligent Key with engine start button, heated front seats, Climate Control, automatic wipers and lights, folding door mirrors and rear privacy glass.

Also standard is the Nissan Dynamic Control System which gives the driver the chance to optimise the car's dynamic functions. Safety equipment includes ESP, six airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist and three head restraints in the rear.

Nissan Juke Shiro also benefits from a carefully selected accessory package which adds a number of useful features all designed to harmonise with Shiro's white interior features. It includes a centre armrest, complete with white stitching, which also provides additional storage; chrome plated sill protectors for the front door, illuminated in white; and Juke-branded velour floor mats for the front and rear.

Depending on the market, this package is either available as an option or as an integral part of the special Shiro version.

Since its launch in 2010, Juke has redefined the highly competitive B-Segment. Its combination of SUV toughness and sporting style sets it apart from class rivals with its unique design appealing to individual thinkers looking for something different - and the arrival of Nissan Juke Shiro increases the opportunity for them to make a real statement.

Built at Nissan's manufacturing plant in the UK, Juke has inspired customers across Europe and helped the Sunderland manufacturing plant reach an all-time production record during 2011 of 480,485 vehicles. Following in the hugely successful footsteps of its big crossover brother, Qashqai, Juke exceeded all expectations to sell over 136,282 units last year, a number that is expected to be beaten in 2012.

In line with Nissan's philosophy of constant development, a significant engineering change was made to Juke during 2011. Revisions to the final drive ratio of the normally aspirated petrol and diesel models reduced emissions and enhanced refinement by lowering noise levels without affecting the lively acceleration of either car. Emissions from the manual version of the 117PS petrol 1.6 Juke are now 139g/km, while the 1.5 diesel produces just 129g/km allowing it to wear Nissan's PURE DRIVE badge, which signifies a model producing less than 130g/km.

Nissan Juke Nismo Concept, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

•  Nissan Juke Nismo Concept, 2012

Juke, the compact crossover that has single-handedly created an entirely new sector of the market, will be the first Nissan to be turned into a premium sports model. The Nissan Juke Nismo is bringing motorsport-inspired performance to the street.

Previewed as a concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the production version of the Juke Nismo promises more energy, more excitement and more innovation. The car will be built at Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK in Sunderland alongside other members of the Juke family with sales in Europe due to start towards the end of the year.

Detailed specification will be released closer to launch, but the Juke Nismo will combine edgy crossover styling with a choice of two technically advanced chassis, one with two-wheel drive and the other featuring four-wheel drive and torque vectoring. Both will have revised suspension settings.

A sporting attitude will be underscored by a tuned turbocharged petrol engine, while tougher looks inside and out will reflect the brand values of Nismo, Nissan's performance and motorsport division.

Nissan Juke Nismo Concept, first seen at the Tokyo Motor Show in December 2011 and being given its European debut in Geneva, is finished in signature Nismo colours of pearl white with red highlights.

It wears a body kit created by Nismo's aerodynamic specialists whose skill has been honed perfecting racecar bodywork. As on a racecar, the Juke Nismo Concept body kit is designed not just to look good, but also to be dynamically highly efficient. New parts include revised lower bumpers front and rear, wider wings and sill side skirts.

The grille pattern has been changed while the tailgate spoiler has been modified by the addition of side elements to control airflow more efficiently. Even the shape of the door mirrors has been altered to enhance the car's aerodynamic performance and reduce front and rear lift without increasing drag. The contact patch of the tyres has been increased to improve grip, which is further enhanced by the arrival of stylish new 19-inch alloy wheels.

Nismo treatment extends to the chassis which has been lowered and stiffened using proprietary parts of the sort that will be available from the expanded Nismo's parts catalogue, while the 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine has been uprated to deliver more power and performance.

Nismo touches can also be found in the interior of the Concept, where parts that interact with the driver's sense of sight, sound, look and feel -­ such as the steering wheel, pedals, gauges, gear knob and door trims - have been redesigned to provide greater involvement when driving. Further underlining the performance aspects of the car, special leather-trimmed bucket seats have been added while the importance of the tachometer means the dial and needle are illuminated in red.

A feeling of enhanced sporting quality in the cockpit can be attributed to a matt effect applied to previously reflective surfaces, while the dramatic centre console - shaped to resemble a motorcycle fuel tank - has been given a metallic coating to enhance the purposeful feeling of the Concept.

Nismo: the future
The Nissan Juke Nismo Concept is a taster for a raft of highly focused Nismo versions of Nissan products promised for the future and beyond. Nissan will conduct an ambitious expansion programme where the Nismo name will become synonymous with performance and premium sports variants of production Nissan models.

Another element of the expansion programme will see Nismo relocate to an all-new purpose designed global headquarters in Tsurumi, Yokohama at the start of 2013.

By bringing all Nismo's activities under one roof, the move will create a global centre of excellence for race and performance road car development. As well as a race shop, the centre will have a large maintenance area for service work, a heritage area where famous Nismo race and road cars will be displayed and a specialist store - the Omori Factory, named after Nismo's current base - where customers can buy performance parts and items from the Nismo Collection.

The larger site will also have ample space to hold more of the popular Nismo events for fans. The annual Nismo Festival, for example, attracts more than 30,000 fans ready to celebrate the company's racing heritage and achievements.

Nissan Invitation Concept, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Nissan Invitation Concept, 2012

The Nissan has revealed the first details of a head-turning hatchback concept which previews the company's next generation compact car, a mainstream B-segment contender to be sold alongside the Micra city car and innovative JUKE B-segment crossover.

Called Invitation, the dynamic concept shows some of the innovation and excitement promised for the new model, which is due to be launched in Europe from 2013.

Design dynamism
Nissan Invitation is an energetic design, bringing fresh style, innovation and excitement to the mainstream market. The clean fluidity of the silhouette hints at its dynamic potential and showcases class-leading aerodynamics for enhanced efficiency.

The side of the car is dominated by a distinctive character line, namely the 'Squash Line', which adds a powerful dynamism to its profile with distinctive sculpted front and rear design giving Invitation a confident stance.

Inside, a refreshingly open cabin combines practicality and modernity with impressive levels of quality and purposeful technology features.

François Bancon, Deputy Division General Manager of Product Strategy and Product Planning Division, said: "The name we have given to this concept is self-explanatory... the key benefit of this compact car is to be inviting.

Class-leading performance and efficiency
Combining advanced engine technology, Nissan's acclaimed lightweight platform and an aerodynamically efficient body mean Invitation achieves class-leading levels of fuel efficiency and emissions. Nissan is aiming for an ultra-low CO2 emission target of under 100g/km for the best model and with all versions eligible to wear Nissan's PURE DRIVE badge.

At the same time, responsive agile handling will ensure that when it comes to driving dynamics, Nissan Invitation will compete with the top performers in the segment.

Like the new Micra, Invitation uses Nissan's new light-weight V-platform, which has been engineered to deliver optimum rigidity for excellent handling characteristics coupled with a refined ride, but at the lowest possible weight for enhanced performance, strong fuel efficiency and low emissions.

The suspension layout sees an independent front end by MacPherson struts with coil springs and a compact torsion beam rear axle designed to minimise intrusion into the luggage area. Both suspension systems are mounted on sub frames to help isolate road noise, vibration and harshness. Invitation's has overall dimensions of 4150mm in length, 1740 mm in width and it's 1470mm tall

Advanced safety technology
But Nissan Invitation is more than just a great looking car that's fun and frugal to drive. The concept packs some of the most advanced technology ever seen in the B-segment, all of which is designed to help drivers to be safe..

Among the features is Nissan's advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) safety technology - seen for the first time on a B segment car - which makes reversing and parallel parking as stress-free as possible. In addition, Invitation also incorporates Nissan Safety Shield Technologies, which interact with the driving environment keeping the driver aware of what is happening around the car.

Conclusion
Invitation's combination of energetic exterior style, thoughtful interior, advanced safety features and class-leading emissions, fuel economy and dynamic performance demonstrates Nissan's commitment to offering innovation and excitement to all car buyers, no matter what type of car they are looking to buy.

Nissan Hi-Cross Concept, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Nissan Hi-Cross Concept, 2012

A dramatic new concept car from Nissan, to be given its World Premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, heralds a possible new design direction for the company.

Called the Nissan Hi-Cross Concept, the proposal looks at ways to extend Nissan's leadership of the crossover market with a possible expansion of the current Juke-Qashqai-Murano portfolio. Created in Japan, Hi-Cross Concept is compact yet surprisingly roomy, elegant yet purposeful and - being a Nissan - it's clever with it.

Its 'smartness' takes two forms. Despite its modest external proportions, Nissan Hi-Cross Concept has a highly space efficient interior with three rows of seats for seven passengers.

Equally as clever is its hybrid drive train, coupling an electric motor - powered by a Nissan-developed compact lithium-ion battery - with a 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine to provide the performance potential of a 2.5-litre with the economy and emissions expected from a much smaller unit.

Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., said: "Nissan created the crossover segment with Murano and has expanded the genre with top selling cars like Qashqai and Juke. Nissan Hi-Cross Concept shows we are not sitting still, resting on our laurels, but exploring ways of cementing our crossover leadership by exploring new ideas."

For the concept, the HEV drivetrain is based on new technology developed by Nissan for front-wheel drive models, but modified to provide four-wheel drive. The new system's innovative approach to affordability and packaging adopts 'one-motor, two clutch' technology linked to Nissan's new generation XTRONIC continuously variable transmission which by itself achieves a 10 per cent improvement in fuel economy over comparable previous generation CVTs. The low friction design has smaller shaft-diameter pulleys with a new belt to give the widest possible ratio coverage for enhanced efficiency.

The hybrid drivetrain makes extensive use of battery technology developed for the award-winning Nissan LEAF. The high output, fast-charging compact lithium-ion battery, linked to high-level motor control technology, provides acceleration assist when needed and permits downsizing of the petrol engine for optimum economy and emissions.

In city driving, the presence of the electric motor and lithium-ion battery allow the engine to be turned off frequently. It can also be disengaged completely with the clutch, and energy can be recovered effectively when braking.

Built on an extensively revised version of Nissan Hi-Cross Concept sits on a 2780mm wheelbase. It is 4660mm long, 1850mm wide and 1670mm tall, with 21-in. alloy wheels. The styling combines existing Nissan design cues with new elements, at the front it has a characteristic V-shaped grille set off by distinctive lighting signatures provided by stylish new headlamps.

Potential new design language is showcased, in particular, by a bold character line which extends from the bonnet down the flanks of the car to the D-pillar. At the rear it has distinctive lighting signatures provided by stylish rear combination lamps echoing with headlamp lighting signature. Inside, the seven-seat cockpit is dominated by a new T-wing shaped dashboard.