2011 Nissan JUKE Sports Cross Makes North American Debut at New York International Auto Show

NEW YORK, March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today unveiled the all-new Nissan JUKE sports cross at a special media preview near Rockefeller Center.  The dramatically styled JUKE, which joins Nissan's popular Murano and Rogue crossovers at Nissan dealers nationwide in the fall of 2010, will be on display at the New York International Auto Show at Jacob Javits Center April 2nd through 11th.  A special Web broadcast debut is scheduled for Wednesday, March 31 at 9:00 a.m. EDT.  It can be viewed at www.nissanjukenyc.com.

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Along with its bold design inside and out, which draws on a number of active lifestyle influences including motorcycles and rally cars, JUKE brings unexpected levels of performance from a 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) turbo engine and an advanced torque vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD) system with performance technology usually reserved for premium vehicles.

"JUKE is about to carve out a unique space in the rapidly growing compact crossover/hatchback segment with its combination of striking design, agile handling and driving pleasure and user friendly technology," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA.  "Add in the convenience, versatility and high seating positioning of a traditional compact SUV – and pricing that is expected to start at just under $20,000 – and you've got a vehicle unlike any other in its class."  

The JUKE interior offers bolstered front seats and a center console inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank and finished in a two-coat high-gloss paint.  The gearshift sits on top of the console, with a short shifter 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 features range from leather-appointed seats and RearView Monitor to Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition, navigation system with real-time traffic information and power sliding moonroof.  A long list of standard safety features is also available, 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 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.

"JUKE provides an exceptional level of available technology for its segment and a special character all its own," said Carolin.  "We're expecting an enthusiastic response from people attending the New York Auto Show and look forward to JUKE going on sale this fall."

Along with the Web cast video, JUKE images, video downloads and additional information will be available beginning March 31 at nissanjukenyc.com.

About Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.  Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling.  More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.infinitiusa.com.

SOURCE Nissan North America, Inc.