Nissan Juke Nismo 'all about genuine aerodynamic and dynamic improvement'

Nissan Juke Nismo 'all about genuine aerodynamic and dynamic improvement'

A lead designer at Japanese car giant Nissan has been discussing the complex design story that has led to the development of the new Nissan Juke Nismo.

Darryl Scriven, digital manager and project lead designer for Nissan Design Europe, and his colleagues had the unenviable task of taking the standard Nissan Juke's radical design and provide it with a new and exciting twist.

Add to this the fact that the original Juke had already been praised for its distinctive blend of sports coupe lines and SUV styling and the scale of the challenge becomes clear to see.

Mr Scriven acknowledged as much while speaking about the Nissan Juke Nismo, stating: "It was really important to make something that looked stronger but wasn't more complicated.

"Nismo is not about adding shape and surfaces for no reason; it's about genuine aerodynamic and dynamic improvement. So the design has to add something, and that was a challenge."

In order to achieve its mission of creating an even more exciting Nissan Juke, engineers at the Japanese car maker opted to fit the Nismo model with an all-new aerodynamic exterior.

The outside of the vehicle also features lower front and rear bumpers than the standard Juke, as well as wider wings, sill side skirts, a modified grille and a fresh tailgate spoiler aimed to provide better control airflow around the car.

Step inside the Juke Nismo and motorists who have driven a Nissan Juke in the past will quickly realise that the steering wheel, pedals, gauges, gear knob and door trims have all been redesigned.

The aim of all of this is to create a cabin that is more focused on the driver's requirements, as well as creating a more performance-oriented atmosphere.

"The brief for the interior wasn't to strip everything out. We weren't creating a pure and lightweight racing machine. Don't forget, this has got to be something that people are going to use every day, but feel genuinely engaged with when driving," Mr Scriven continued.

"Juke Nismo is premium, it's about feeling special, engaged and excited."

Posted by Craig Salter