Show floor update: “We’re taking a holistic approach with the Nismo Juke, ” said Simon Sproule, Nissan’s Corporate Vp, Global Marketing Communications on the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. That implies the Nismo-fied Juke’s 100 revised components account for 37 percent more downforce than the garden-variety Juke. On sale in March, enthusiasts also can wait for a stronger-spec Nismo Juke RS within the near future, though Nissan execs were mum on more details. Meanwhile, the 370Z Nismo also looked sharp, and should go on sale this summer. 

Nissan’s performance wing Nismo (Nissan Motorsports) is expanding its lineup, launching a performance-oriented version of the Juke crossover at this year’s Chicago Auto Show inclusive of the 2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo. Offering more power or even more radical styling, the Juke Nismo is meant to expand the Nismo brand in major markets worldwide.

Nismo was within the U.S. for many years now, so we wondered what sort of expansion Nissan had in mind. “Nismo is a brand which will be applied to multiple vehicles,” Nissan spokesman Dan Passe told us. “Sort of an integral brand…comparable to [Ford’s] SVT.” Passe went directly to say Nismo vehicles won’t necessarily be about all-out power, but more of a well-rounded performance package, scoring such upgrades as larger brakes, aero kits, and tuned suspension and steering systems. “While Nismo means something to plenty people, [whether it’s] motorsports, parts, or accessories, it’s going to intend much more [soon].”

Nismo’s tuning philosophy is obvious within the 2013 Juke Nismo, which receives a horsepower bump, steering and suspension tweaks, and a sportier exterior look. A turbocharged 1.6-liter I-4 still powers the Juke, but is tuned to 197 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque (up from the usual model’s 188 hp and 177 lb-ft). The Juke Nismo is available in front- or all-wheel drive, with the six-speed manual transmission again only offered on front-drive models. Select all-wheel drive, however, and the Juke gets a Nismo-tuned CVT transmission with paddle shifters. Nismo also tuned the Juke’s suspension and electric power-assisted steering system for better response and roll control.

Read our First Drive of a eu-Spec 2013 Nissan Juke Nismo here.

Changes to the Juke Nismo’s exterior include unique front and rear fascias with red stripes at the bumpers, a mesh lower grille with chrome insert, LED accent lights, red-striped Nismo side skirts, body-color fender flares, smoked headlights, Nismo roof spoiler, Nismo badging, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the model gets exclusive Nismo seats with more bolster support, Nismo embroidery, and red stitching, a leather- and Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and a Nismo badge at the painted center console.

Also launching in Chicago is the 2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo, which gets slight exterior and interior changes. The better-performance coupe remains powered by a 350-hp 3.7-liter V-6, and an in depth-ratio six-speed manual continues to be the simplest transmission choice for the Nismo variant. For 2014, the 370Z Nismo receives new dark gray accents at the front and rear fascias, lower side sills, exterior mirrors, and Nismo rear spoiler. Excluding the side sills, each of these pieces also sport Nismo’s characteristic red pinstripes.  An Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and red Nismo tachometer are new interior additions.

The same performance enhancements that made the last 370Z Nismo a potent sports car return, including the tuned suspension, stiffer stabilizer bars, front strut tower brace, forged 19-inch Rays alloy wheels, and Nismo Sport Brakes. The 370Z Nismo’s lengthened front end and integrated chin spoiler make it 6.2 inches longer than a typical Z, while aero bits just like the side sills and sculpted rear bumper help route airflow beneath the automobile.

Both cars debut on the 2013 Chicago Auto Show.

Source: Nissan