Renault-Samsung SM7 Concept teased ahead of Seoul Motor Show

Renault’s presence in the South Korean market is dwarfed compared to the two automotive giants of the country, Kia and Hyundai. But despite that fact, the French automaker’s local brand in South Korea, Samsung Motors, is prepared to pick up a fight with the Big Two with the impending reveal of their new SM7 Concept.

The next generation sedan takes from the current SM7, which was built using Nissan’s J31 platform, the very same platform that underpins the Nissan Maxima in the US. Specific details on the new SM7 Concept will be officially revealed at the Seoul Motor Show beginning on April 1. While the car is still tagged as a design study, the teaser sketch that was revealed does show a car that could very well be pegged as a future model in the South Korean market.

The car looks a lot bigger, far sportier and more aggressive than today’s market model. The grille on the front fascia dominates the car’s profile and the swooping lines and contoured angles seem to suggest that the new SM7 will be a car that could give the Hyundai Sonata a serious run for its money.

Whether it actually does is still easier said than done, but if Renault-Samsung sticks to their guns, Hyundai and Kia might very well need to look into their rear-view mirrors for the new SM7 Concept.c