Nissan Super Juke with 520 BHP GT-R Engine Rumoured for Production
Nissan is reported to be considering a production run of a Juke crossover fitted with the GT-R’s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6, producing 520 bhp and targeting Porsche 911 performance.
Nissan is reported to be evaluating production of a Juke crossover powered by the 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 from the GT-R, producing 520 bhp and promising performance to rival established sports cars. The project, known internally as the Super Juke, would transform the small crossover into one of the fastest vehicles in its segment if it reaches showrooms.
Nissan Super Juke: Rumoured 520 BHP Crossover
Engine and Performance Details
Nissan is considering a Juke with the GT-R’s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6. Projected output is 520 bhp, far above the standard Juke range. 0-62 mph could take around four seconds, with a top speed near 170 mph. Aggressive styling and weight-saving measures are planned. No official confirmation of production has been given.
The Super Juke’s headline figure is its 520 bhp output, a dramatic leap from the fastest production Juke at the time, the 1.6 DiG-T, which delivered 190 bhp and reached 62 mph in eight seconds. The GT-R’s engine, if fitted, would cut that sprint to a claimed four seconds and push top speed towards 170 mph. That puts the Super Juke in direct contention with sports cars such as the Porsche 911, at least on paper.
Styling and Chassis Changes
Styling changes would match the performance. Reports suggest a more aggressive look, including bonnet vents, a split rear spoiler and a lower ride height thanks to revised suspension. Inside, the cabin would be stripped back to save weight, with only essential equipment retained. These changes would mark a clear departure from the standard Juke’s urban crossover brief, focusing on outright speed and handling.
How the Super Juke Compares to Other Models
| Model | Power (bhp) | 0-62 mph (sec) | Top Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Juke 1.6 DiG-T | 190 | 8.0 | 134 |
| Nissan Super Juke (projected) | 520 | 4.0 | 170 |
| Porsche 911 Carrera (997, 2011) | 345 | 4.7 | 180 |
If Nissan proceeds, the Super Juke would offer performance well beyond even the Nismo and special edition Jukes that have appeared in the UK market, such as the Ministry of Sound Edition. It would also represent a rare move for a manufacturer to fit a supercar engine to a small crossover, a combination normally reserved for one-off projects or tuning firms.
For context, Nissan previously produced the Juke-R, which used a 480 bhp version of the GT-R engine in a limited run. The Juke-R demonstrated that the Juke platform could accommodate a much more powerful drivetrain, but the Super Juke would take this concept even further with its projected 520 bhp output.
Production Prospects and Challenges
As of late 2011, Nissan had not formally confirmed any production plans for the Super Juke. The vehicle was described as a study, with no details on potential pricing, production volume or availability. Any move to put the car into production would likely depend on demand and the technical feasibility of adapting the GT-R’s drivetrain for the smaller Juke platform.
Engineering challenges would include fitting the larger, more powerful engine into the Juke’s smaller engine bay, reinforcing the chassis to handle the increased power, and ensuring that the car’s handling and braking systems are up to the task. Weight distribution and cooling would also need to be addressed, as the GT-R’s V6 produces significant heat and requires robust support systems.
If Nissan were to overcome these challenges and proceed to production, the Super Juke would likely be produced in limited numbers, similar to the Juke-R. Pricing would be a key factor, as part of the appeal of the GT-R has always been its performance relative to cost. A high-powered Juke at a competitive price could attract enthusiasts looking for something unique in the crossover segment.
Potential Impact on the Market
The Super Juke project, if realised, would create one of the most powerful production crossovers ever offered by a mainstream manufacturer. This could set a precedent for other manufacturers to experiment with high-performance versions of their compact crossovers, blurring the lines between sports cars and practical daily drivers.
For Nissan, the Super Juke would further cement its reputation for innovative engineering and willingness to push boundaries, following in the footsteps of the GT-R and the original Juke-R. It would also provide a halo effect for the Juke range, drawing attention to the brand and potentially boosting sales of more conventional models.
Until Nissan makes an official announcement, the Super Juke remains an intriguing possibility. Enthusiasts and industry observers will be watching closely to see if the project moves beyond the study phase and into production.
