Korean fourth largest carmaker, Renault-Samsung, has released the very first official images of the SM5 sedan ahead of its official South Korean debut, scheduled for the first quarter of 2010.
The all-new SM5 sports more sophisticated exterior design and more modern interior lay-out than its predecessor. Based on the same platform as Renault Laguna, the 2010 SM5 features Nissan's powertrain technology, including a 2.0L gasoline engine and six speed automatic transmission. The model is also available with a fuel-sipping 2.0L diesel powerplant that gets even better gas mileage than its gasoline counterpart.
The all-new Renault-Samsung SM5 has been developed at the company's Korean R&D headquarters. It took the engineers 36 months to develop the model from scratch, while the development process cost company a whopping 400 million won.
Renault-Samsung executive chief officer, Jean-Marie Hurtiger, is confident that the 2010 SM5 is good enough to boost image of the brand in both, the South Korean and International markets, as well as boost the overall brand's sales.
According to the company, the all-new SM5 will be equipped with some high-tech features such as adaptive xenon headlights and massage front seats. It is expected to be priced attractively, which means it will probably cost less than its main rivals from Hyundai or Kia Motors.
Check also the designer sketch of the new SM5, which has been released a few days ago, as well as some general information on the Renault-Samsung brand.
Renault-Samsung SM5 images:
