Nissan launches Juke Hybrid Rally Tribute in homage to the good old days

Almost a year after the publication of several photos in tribute to Nissan's double during the 1971 East African Rally, Nissan has taken the concept to the end, unveiling the brand new Juke Hybrid Rally Tribute. Following the reactions and emulsions that these design sketches had provoked at the time, the Japanese manufacturer took advantage of the release of the Nissan Juke Hybrid in Europe this summer, to support its offer with this fully operational vehicle. 

The hybrid at the center of the project

It's a refrain among manufacturers now, the hybrid is flourishing almost everywhere on the market and on all models. Equipped with the same engine as the next Juke Hybrid, the Japanese crossover develops 69 kW (94 hp) and 148 Nm of torque.

“The Juke Hybrid Rally Tribute exemplifies our optimism and bold mindset, explains Coralie Musy, vice-president of brand and customer experience. We are currently preparing for an exciting new chapter in the Juke story with the introduction of the new Juke Hybrid this summer. […] The Juke Hybrid Rally Tribute takes Juke playfulness to a new level. »

The Juke Hybrid Rally Tribute also uses the multi-mode automatic transmission of its twin. This low-friction transmission allows for optimal use of power, whether it comes from the electric motor, the gasoline engine, or both. This motorsport-inspired gearbox uses dog clutches instead of conventional synchronizer rings to shift the 4 “internal combustion” gears and the 2 “electric” gears. Additionally, also to reduce friction, there is no clutch.

As part of this project and the sustainability of the new ranges introduced by Nissa, the engine of the Juke Hybrid Rally Tribute uses e-fluids and biofuels supplied by Shell, partner of the brand at the time of Rally.

Homage to the 240Z

Obviously, the Juke Hybrid Rally Tribute is largely inspired by the iconic Nissan 240Z, which took part in the East African Rally in 1971, scoring a historic double for the brand. The German pair, Herrmann Edgar and Schüller Hans, won ahead of the duo Mehta Shekhar/Doughty Mike, the locals of the event (Mehta Shekhar is of Ethiopian and Kenyan origin).

At the time, the low-slung 240Z was powered by a 2,4-liter inline six-cylinder engine, producing 210 horsepower. It was also restored in 2013, and is now part of the Nissan collection which is located in Zama (Japan), near Nissan's world headquarters.

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If the hood and the large black wheels are a vibrant homage to the 1971 model, Nissan had to make certain modifications for its model around the year 2000. The wheel arches, accommodating the all-terrain tires, were enlarged, while the lights placed on the hood and roof echo the fifty-year-old model. The use of vintage sponsor logos and the number 11 are also reminiscent of the 240Z, as is the addition of skid plates front and rear.

Although the release of this model recalls the great days of Nissan in Rallying, which was involved in the championship until the end of the 80s, there is nothing to indicate that the Japanese brand can make its comeback to competition. We strongly doubt it, but the effort is nonetheless appreciable.