Spied again: 2010 Kia VG (Amanti replacement)

Spied again: 2010 Kia VG (Amanti replacement)

Although the U.S. car market has taken a turn for the worse, Kia hasn’t stopped development of its upcoming Toyota Camry/Honda Accord-fighter. Internally dubbed the VG, the new sedan will replace the current Amanti, although it doesn’t look like the production car will wear that nameplate.

Riding on Hyundai/Kia’s new “NF” chassis, this Amanti replacement will be both wider and longer than the current Amanti. We’ve also been told that it will be a much more performance-oriented sedan this time around. Powering this new sporty sedan will be Hyundai’s lambda 3.8L V6 mated to a six-speed transmission. Expect horsepower ratings in the neighborhood of 280.

It remains unclear exactly what price point the VG will hit, but by the looks of the Chevrolet Malibu in the background, Kia might be eyeing the coveted, yet crowded, volume mid-size sedan segment.

We’re expecting the VG to make its official debut in August of 2009, with production slated to begin in the fourth quarter of ‘09.