Nissan Juke Rally Tribute concept revealed

A rally-spec Nissan Juke Rally Tribute concept has been revealed paying tribute to the iconic Nissan 240Z rally car that claimed victory in the formidable East Africa Rally 50 years ago.

• Concept gets rally inspired design changes
• Said to feature a hybrid powertrain
• Original 240Z rally car currently part of Nissan’s heritage collection

Nissan Juke Rally Tribute concept: What’s to know

The Juke Rally Tribute concept draws design inspiration from the 240Z, including prominent front spotlights, retro red exterior paint with a contrasting black bonnet and racing decals on the side of the car. The Juke also gains larger wheel arches to accommodate bespoke off-road tyres and sits substantially higher than the road car.

Nissan also says the rally concept - a digital rendering for now - would feature a hybrid electric powertrain to provide more torque and greater efficiency, and to highlight the firm’s commitment to electrification of its model range.

“The Juke Rally Tribute concept celebrates an iconic moment in Nissan’s heritage, with the participation and victory of the legendary 240Z in the East African Rally in 1971,” said Coralie Musy, vice-president of Nissan’s brand and customer experience division.

“As well as celebrating that victory, it reflects Nissan’s pioneering history in crossovers, striking design and electrified powertrains. We’re delighted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the victory of that remarkable achievement with these striking images.”

The Nissan 240Z rally car

The 240Z won the East African Safari Rally in Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika in 1971, driven by Edgar Herrmann with navigator Hans Schüller. It was the firm’s second consecutive win in the series.

The original car was powered by a 2.4-litre straight-six engine, producing 210hp. The winning 240Z car was restored in 2013 and is now part of Nissan’s heritage collection, which is housed in Zama, Japan.

Nissan line-up for India

While the Rally-inspired Juke concept is expected to remain a one-off, Nissan currently has no plans to introduce the production Juke SUV in India. The carmaker’s current line-up in the country comprises of the Magnite compact SUV and the Kicks mid-size SUV. The firm’s budget brand Datsun, meanwhile, offers the entry-level Redigo hatchback and the larger Go hatchback and Go+ compact seven-seater.