Renault Middle East sent us news that they will launch a new midsize sedan in the GCC during September. They even sent us a teaser photo of the unnamed car, showing only a tail-light. That was enough for me to figure out that the car will be a rebadged version of the Korean-built Nissan-derived Samsung SM5.

The Korean-specific Samsung SM5 is based on the Nissan Maxima platform, and is actually a variation of the Asian-market Nissan Teana. Since Renault owns Nissan, and Nissan supplies all the mechanicals for Samsung, the rebadged Renault version of the SM5 is a natural extension, especially since Renault’s own French-built cars are too weird to appeal to conservative buyers here.

Renault says that the “new” car for the Middle East will get a Nissan-derived 170 hp 2.3-litre V6, which has to be the smallest V6 on the market right now.

Renault has also released details of the interior, which will include features such as Renault’s unique Smart-Card keyless entry system, as well as automatic climate control, power memory seats, windshield-wiper rain sensors and more. Safety equipment includes ABS braking with electronic brake distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), adaptive front airbags, along with side and curtain airbags, safety belt pretensioners with load limiters, and active protection headrests.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first Samsung to be sold here. The current Nissan Sunny is actually a Korean-built Samsung SM3.

Update: It will be called the Renault Safrane.