Nissan Juke-R: The Wild Crossover with a GT-R Heart

The Nissan Juke-R is a vehicle that needs no introduction to those familiar with internet car culture of the early 2010s. This audacious project, born from the innovative minds within Nissan’s UK team and their motorsport partners, took the automotive world by storm. What started as a clandestine endeavor quickly evolved into a concept that captured imaginations worldwide when it was unveiled in 2011. The overwhelming public response propelled Nissan to produce a very limited run of these extraordinary machines.

Alt text: Front view of the Nissan Juke-R concept car at its unveiling event, showcasing its aggressive wide-body design and Nissan branding.

Despite a hefty price tag that soared well into six-figure territory, five units of the Nissan Juke-R were meticulously hand-built and sold to discerning collectors. Now, in a rare turn of events, the very last of these five Juke-Rs to be produced has emerged for sale. Offered by German dealership VDM Cars, located in Gronau, Germany, this ultimate Juke-R can be acquired for a cool $706,883. While this figure might raise eyebrows, it’s worth noting that the original asking price was already approaching $600,000. Adding to its allure, this particular Juke-R is practically untouched, boasting a mere 12 miles on the odometer, suggesting its previous owner intended it more as a collector’s piece than a daily driver.

Alt text: Side profile of the Nissan Juke-R for sale at VDM Cars dealership in Germany, highlighting its low-slung stance and GT-R derived wheels.

The Nissan Juke-R’s creation was a collaborative effort involving motorsport specialists RML Group and tuning experts Severn Valley Motorsport. At its core lies the formidable heart of the R35 generation Nissan GT-R: its 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine. Coupled with the GT-R’s advanced all-wheel-drive system and fortified with an FIA-specification roll cage, the Juke-R is engineered to deliver unparalleled performance in a crossover shell. This isn’t just a standard GT-R engine transplant; the Juke-R’s powerplant has been further enhanced to unleash a staggering 690 horsepower, making it a true beast in disguise.

Alt text: Close-up of the Nissan Juke-R engine bay, emphasizing the twin-turbocharged V6 engine, a modified version of the Nissan GT-R powerplant.

To manage this immense power, the Juke-R’s chassis received substantial upgrades. These include adjustable coil-over suspension and uprated anti-roll bars at both the front and rear, ensuring taut handling and control. It borrows the GT-R’s striking 20-inch wheels, which house an enhanced braking system to provide stopping power to match its acceleration. Visually, the Juke-R is unmistakable thanks to a bespoke wide-body kit crafted from lightweight carbon fiber. This aerodynamic enhancement is complemented by a carbon fiber hood and rear spoiler, further reducing weight and amplifying its sporty aesthetic.

The interior of the Juke-R also underwent a significant transformation. It’s equipped with a 4WD controller, the GT-R’s signature touch-screen interface – complete with its array of performance monitoring and PS3-era inspired displays – and a drive mode selector to tailor the driving experience.

What truly sets this particular Nissan Juke-R apart is its exclusivity. It is believed to be the only example accessible to private buyers outside of Nissan’s own collection. Of the five originally produced, two remain under Nissan’s custodianship, while, unfortunately, two others have reportedly been lost due to accidents. This confluence of factors – its incredible performance, extreme rarity, and virtually brand-new condition – makes this Nissan Juke-R a truly unique opportunity for collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike.

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