Kim Kardashian Taking On The Pussycat Dolls

Kim signed a TV deal with "American Idol" honcho Nigel Lythgoe -- to be the E.P. for an upcoming reality show about the "Pussycat Dolls empire" ... that will feature the launch of a "new" PCD group.

One source tells us the newbies are "10 times better than the original group."

We're told Kim has a good relationship with PCD founder Robin Antin -- plus Kim really enjoyed performing with the group in Vegas a few years back.