Officially Official: Nissan Juke coming to America

Nissan Juke – Click above to enlarge

We've now officially heard it from the horse's Nissan's mouth. Today at a pre-Chicago Auto Show event, Nissan confirmed what we've been hearing for the last month: the funky Juke will jive its way to America this fall. The small crossover was presaged by the Qazana concept, and the production version promises to share a number of that vehicle's unique styling features.

We'll get our first official glimpse of the new Juke at the Geneva Motor Show next month, and that debut will be followed up later in the month when the Juke gets its North American introduction at the New York Auto Show. Nissan says the Juke will offer "a sporty crossover alternative to traditional small hatchback vehicles," which we can only assume to be competing models such as the Kia Soul and Scion xB. We hope that the Juke will also try to outdo those vehicles in fuel economy, but Nissan hasn't said word one about the Juke's miles per gallon possibilities.

The Japanese automaker also tells us that the car's center console was inspired by a motorcycle tank. We never knew we wanted a gas tank-shaped center console until now, but Nissan officially has our interest piqued with that little tidbit. We'll see if the actual implementation is as intriguing as it sounds soon enough; in the meantime, click past the break for the official press release.

[Source: Nissan]


PRESS RELEASE
Nissan Juke Crossover Confirmed for U.S. Market

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today confirmed that an all-new small crossover SUV, the Nissan Juke, will join the Nissan lineup in the United States in fall 2010. The European version of the dramatically styled Juke will be revealed to the media on February 10th and makes its global public premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The North American version of Juke is scheduled to debut at the New York Auto Show in late March.

The compact Juke, which was inspired by the Nissan Qazana concept car, was designed and developed to give customers a sporty crossover alternative to traditional small hatchback vehicles. In North America, Juke will join a strong tradition of Nissan crossovers -- including the popular Nissan Murano and Rogue -- in providing both dynamic style and an exhilarating driving experience.

The new Juke is highlighted by a highly distinctive design, which includes a robust stance, high waistline, complex curves, coupe-like profile and aggressive wheels and tires. The bold interior design features a wide center console that takes its inspiration from a motorcycle fuel tank. More information and photography will be available soon.

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
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