Renault Samsung SM7 Concept Teased ahead of Seoul Motor Show

Renault's South Korean brand Samsung released a teaser sketch of the SM7 concept car that previews the next-generation of the firm’s large sedan. The current SM7, which is built on Nissan’s J31 platform that underpins the Asian market Nissan Teana and the sixth-generation of the North American Nissan Maxima, has been on the market since 2004.

Its successor will be unveiled at the upcoming Seoul Motor Show (April 1-10), in the form of a design study. The teaser image shows a car with a sporty, muscular design, with the front end being dominated by a large trapezoidal grille that is continued in the form of the engine hood. The SM7 Concept sports a low, coupe-like profile that ends in... unknown territory, since the back of the car is hidden from view.

Official details are scarce, but the next SM7 is expected to use an elongated platform of the SM5 (known to Europeans as the Renault Latitude). Developed together with the French automaker, the future SM7 is expected to arrive in production form in the second half of 2011.

There are no plans for selling the car in Europe, since Renault says it doesn't intend to have a bigger car than the Latitude in its range. It could make a nice Safrane though...

By Dan Mihalascu

Lexus to Unveil New LF-Gh Concept Study at 2011 NY Auto Show

Next up on our motorshow calendar is the 2011 New York Auto Show in late April, where we’re expecting several world premieres, including a new concept car from Lexus. The Japanese automaker made the announcement today through its Twitter channels with a rather vague note: “LF-Gh: LF = Lexus Future. h = hybrid. G = ...”.

The company also stated in an invitation to the press that the concept “will present a glimpse into the future of Lexus design.” We’re assuming the ‘G’ stands for a prototype version of the next generation of the GS premium sedan but we’ll know more within the next couple of weeks.

2011 LEXUS GS - CURRENT GENERATION

VIDEO: New Pagani Huayra Filmed at a Small Italian Fair

Just in case you’ve forgotten about the brand-new Pagani Huayra, we’ve got hold of a few new videos for your viewing pleasure. Horacio Pagani’s latest creation was recently spotted on display at the Motori e Sapori, a small county fair that took place in Italy. According to Youtube user Marchetinno, the matte silver car you see here is not the final production model but the PT4, as in Prototype 4, and it will allegedly be used as a testing mule for future special edition versions. Watch the walkaround videos after the break.

Source: Youtube via Autoblog.nl

VIDEOS

New Chevrolet Colorado Show Truck Unveiled Ahead of Bangkok Premiere

General Motors has lifted the wraps off the pre-production version of its next generation Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck in advance of the Bangkok International Auto Show on March 25, where it is making its global public debut. The Colorado Show truck will lead to a toned down production model that will be revealed within the next few months and first go on sale in Thailand later this year. The Detroit automaker is keeping mum about whether or not the Colorado will come to the States.

“Although this is a show vehicle, the basic proportions and form convey the vision for the next-generation Colorado that we will bring to market,” said Brad Merkel, GM's global vehicle line executive.

“It reflects a stylized version of the new truck, one that takes into account rugged dependable truck capabilities for commercial use as well as sophisticated refinement for personal-use needs.”

The Bangkok show truck features an extended-cab body atop a high-stance AWD chassis and rides on large, 20-inch wheels and off-road tires size 285/50R20. Certain details such as the large alloy wheels, futuristic exterior mirrors and LED lamps will most likely be absent from the production model.

The interior styling of the Colorado is inspired from the latest Chevy models including the Aveo/Sonic as well as the Camaro. Chevy says soft-touch materials have been used throughout the cabin, which also features number of storage compartments including a covered center bin and a large, dual glovebox.

Power for the Colorado show truck comes via 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine.

PHOTO GALLERY