Nissan announces JUKE Black Pearl, 2017 Versa Note ahead of LA Auto Show

Nissan is going to have a lot to show off at the LA Auto Show next week, and it's decided to announce a couple of these new cars a little early. Both the Nissan Versa Note and the JUKE Black Pearl Edition were announced today. While we're getting an idea of what to expect, both cars will get a formal introduction once the LA Auto Show is underway.

First up is the 2017 Versa Note. The Versa Note will launch in four different models: S Plus, SV, SR and SL. Powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine and a Nissan Xtronic transmission, the company says that these new Versa Note models are capable of an EPA-estimated 39 miles per gallon.

Nissan points to the Versa Note's "dynamic new front end treatment," in its announcement, saying that it aimed to give the model a "fresh look." While the Versa Note now looks similar to other Nissan models – notably the Sentra, Ultima, and Maxima – the company hopes that the Monarch Orange or Deep Blue Pearl color schemes will make it stand out in the entry-level market.

The JUKE Black Pearl Edition is the follow up to the earlier Yellow Stinger and Black Stinger Editions. If you're familiar with those, then you know what's going on here – Nissan is taking a JUKE SV and making some modifications for a limited edition run. It is quite limited as well, with Nissan saying it will only be selling 1,000 in the US and 250 in Canada.

Available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations, the JUKE Black Pearl is outfitted with a 1.6-liter DIG Turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine. That engine is capable of 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque and will be working in tandem with a Nissan advanced Xtronic transmission.

Pricing for JUKE SV front-wheel drive models start at $22,550 USD, while all-wheel drive models come in at $24,400 USD. The Black Pearl package will add $1,190 to the price of either of those models. Nissan will likely share more details about these cars as we move into the LA Car Show, so stay tuned for more from the show floor.