Nissan Juke Hybrid Rally Tribute

 The Nissan Juke Hybrid Rally Tribute has come to life: After being introduced last year as a purely digital design concept, Nissan has now realized a fully functional one-off. His presentation comes ahead of the launch of the Juke Hybrid production model, which will hit the streets this summer and will be powered by the same hybrid system. Originally, the Juke Hybrid Rally Tribute was intended simply as a design study to commemorate the 240 1971Z that won the infamous East African Safari Rally 50 years earlier.

“The Juke Hybrid Rally Tribute represents our optimism and courage,” said Coralie Musy, Nissan AMIEO Vice President Brand & Customer Experience. “The new Juke Hybrid is also impressive and will offer the agility that our customers have come to expect from this iconic crossover. And that with higher performance and greater efficiency.”

Advanced hybrid powertrain

The heart of the new prototype is the hybrid drive train of the Juke production version. This consists of a modern Nissan combustion engine of the latest generation, which was specially developed for use in a hybrid system. It delivers 69 kW/94 hp and has a torque of 148 Nm. The supporting electric motor has an output of 36 kW/49 hp and develops a torque of 205 Nm. There is also a 15 kW high-voltage starter generator and a water-cooled 1,2 kWh battery. As a result, the powertrain generates 25 percent more power than the Juke's current petrol engine, while reducing fuel consumption by around 40 percent in city driving and up to 20 percent in mixed traffic (figures subject to homologation).

Intelligent automatic

The new multimodal transmission always makes optimal use of the drive power - regardless of whether the vehicle is purely electrically powered or powered by a petrol engine or a combination of both engines.

To reduce friction, the gearbox features dog clutches instead of traditional synchronizer rings. You switch between four "combustion" and two "EV" gears. The vehicle always starts in electric mode. The two e-units synchronize the gear change, which guarantees responsive acceleration.

An advanced algorithm controls the shift points, braking energy regeneration and the interaction of the motors. Depending on the acceleration and performance requirements, the drive changes seamlessly and without driver intervention between different hybrid types (serial, parallel, power-split). The result: the driver enjoys the best of both worlds and benefits from direct acceleration with high fuel efficiency and low emissions.

Modifications inspired by rallying

Just like the Gripz concept car that Nissan presented at the IAA 2015, the Juke Hybrid Rally Tribute takes its design cues from the iconic 240Z that successfully competed in the demanding East African Safari Rally over half a century ago.

The most notable modifications are the enlarged wheel arches to accommodate the bespoke off-road tires, while the additional headlights on the bonnet and roof are reminiscent of those of 50 years ago.

As a nod to the 240 1971Z, the Juke features a black hood and wheels. In addition, the model is equipped with the sponsor logos of the time and the legendary starting number 11.

With underbody protection under the front and rear aprons and a reinforced suspension with longer travel, the Juke Hybrid Rally Tribute impresses on any terrain.

A tubular steel cage in the interior provides an even stiffer body and offers protection in the event of an accident, even at high speeds. This is also ensured by four-point seat belts for the driver and front passenger. The rear seats were removed to make room for spare wheels.

Other interior modifications include a fire extinguisher, an intercom system with headphones for easier communication between the driver and front passenger, an Alcantara steering wheel and a high-handle hydraulic handbrake for quick and easy operation.

New electrified models and powertrains

"As part of the electrification of our product range, we will be introducing a number of new electrified models and powertrains later this year," says Coralie Musy. “In addition to the Juke Hybrid, we are also introducing our innovative e-power drive for the Qashqai. We have just started ordering the Ariya and the all-electric Townstar will also be available this year. In addition, the completely new X-Trail will be launched in the second half of the year.”