For 2008, Renault Samsung made subtle tweaks on its flagship sedan, the SM7. Based on the Nissan Teana, the SM7 has been a strong seller to the luxury buyers in its domestic market. The facelifted model also gains a new name, dubbed the SM7 New Art. The naming scheme is similar to the lower-priced SM5 New Impression, which was facelifted for 2007. The SM7 New Art made its premiere at an unveiling event at the Seoul Grand Hilton Hotel.
3 years after the company’s premium sedan went on sale, the SM7 New Art was developed in a span of 2 years, raking over 100 billion Won or an estimated $106.5 million in U.S. currency. The SM7 New Art packs the award-winning Neo VQ35 engine, but only produces a meager 217 horsepower. It is mated to a Steptronic 5-speed automatic transmission. A few of the changes made to exterior of the SM7 include a redesigned front fascia, redesigned taillights, and new wheels. The interior packs a premium BOSE audio system.
Jean-Marie Hurtiger, Renault Samsung Motors CEO and representative director, speaks next to Renault Samsung Motors’s new model SM7 New Art during a press unveiling in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008. The price of the vehicles equipped with Neo VQ23 V6 engines and and Neo V35 V6 engine sell for 27.5 million won (US$ 29,327) and 41 million won (US$ 43,724) respectively.
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