2015 Nissan Juke NISMO RSnow Trax Concept Reignites Juke-R Halo Effect

We recently gave the Juke-R concept from 2012 a hall of fame write-up – extolling the incredible global awareness the GT-R/Juke hybrid created.

The next step? A new Juke RSnow Trax – highlighting the new Juke LED boomerang lamps and new projector-beam lights up front, which are fresh for the 2015 model-year.

This machine was created as a support car for an ice-driving school, with the tires replaced by individual tank-like treads. The rubber and steel-spiked treads spin in sync with the new hubs up top, controlling a contact patch that is 50X larger than four tires.

This upgrade can theoretically be applied to any AWD car for similar benefits, but there are restrictions as well. Tank treads are generally all steel, and these rubber versions are likely to have a modest top speed potential. We’d ballpark less than 50-mph before they may explode off in a dramatic fashion.

The other issue is the suspension. This Juke RSnow is lifted dramatically above its stock ride height, and is likely not to have much wheel travel possible in its springs. If the factory springs were allowed to compress as normal, there is a real risk of the treads eating into the bodywork.

Lastly, this new setup demands massive torque. We’re not optimistic about the Juke RSnow’s potential as a tow or recovery vehicle, or a deep-snow hero. Treads do not like to spin freely, so this also brings the factory CVT automatic into the equation…..

Who cares about the real world, though. As a concept showcase, the Juke RSnow Trax is still very cool.

2015 Nissan Juke NISMO RSnow Trax Concept

 

Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.

He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.

Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.

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