VG isn't the official name just yet, but an internal name to be replaced when the car is officially unveiled at the next Detroit Auto Show. It's expected to compete in the "near luxury" segment and will sport a 2.4 liter direct injection four cylinder and a 3.8 liter V6. We're betting it won't be quite as wild as these images portray, but almost anything will be better than the Amanti.

KIA MOTORS RELEASES FIRST IMAGES OF ALL-NEW MODEL

Kia Motors has today released the first images of its new premium saloon due to go on sale in Korea at the end of the year.

The new model, currently known by its code name VG, was shown in concept form at the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year and is set to replace the existing Opirus model in Korean, North American and European markets.

"VG clearly demonstrates the next stage in Kia's design evolution and showcases our new design principle of 'sophistication by simplicity'. The exterior is a seamless blend of powerful front, sleek profile and sophisticated but simple rear lines to create an elegant and luxurious appearance," commented Hyoung Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of International Business Division at Kia Motors Corporation.

There are no current plans to bring this model to the UK market.

The Detroit Auto Show typically has three press days, starting on Sunday. The big debuts occur on Sunday and Monday morning, with other automakers taking time in the afternoon. Tuesdays were reserved for smaller companies, parts manufacturers and anyone else who was not a major automaker. While compressing the work into just Monday and Tuesday makes sense given automakers have backed out, it is yet another depressing sign of the Carpocalypse.

The press release from the show below says the idea came from input from exhibitors and key media. We guess we aren't "key media" since, honestly, we like having the extra day to troll around the floor in our Mobile Command Center to try and pick up unique stories and fail at picking up booth professionals.

North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) Announces Press Preview to Move to Monday Beginning in 2010

DETROIT, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ — After showcasing more than 50 new product reveals to approximately 5,500 international journalists, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), with input from exhibitors and key media, has announced that beginning in 2010, press conferences will be held beginning on Monday, January 11. Going forward, this move will more efficiently accommodate the 25-30 manufacturer press conferences filled with reveals and news that are held during the NAIAS Press Preview.

"The NAIAS is the premiere auto showcase for the US market," said Dr. Kunibert Schmidt of the German Associations of Automotive Industry (VDA - Verband der Automobilindustrie). "The show's recent decision to refine the press conference schedule is the perfect example of finding efficiencies in our industry as well as strengthening the professionalism the NAIAS exhibits to the world."

Press Preview Days are traditionally held at the NAIAS the week prior to the show opening to the general public. Industry Preview Days will remain on Wednesday and Thursday as opportunities for suppliers to visit the show. 2010 NAIAS event dates are January 11-12, Press Preview; January 13-14, Industry Preview; January 15, Charity Preview; January 16-24, Public Show.

"There is no better voice than that of the customer," said NAIAS Executive Director, Rod Alberts. "The volume of media we serve internationally and the exhibitors who rely on them make this show one of the world's top draws. We continue to listen to our audiences and by responding to their needs, NAIAS maintains its standing as one of the top international auto shows in the world."

[Source: NAIAS]