There's still no official word from Alfa Romeo on which cars the company plans to bring to the U.S. upon its return, but in the meantime, Auto Express posted some absolutely gorgeous images of the 2010 Alfa Romeo 149—a car that is reported to already meet U.S. safety regulations.

The car, a replacement for the Alfa 147, is pitched as a direct rival to the European Ford Focus. It's based on the same platform as the Fiat Bravo and Lancia Delta, as the report said, and attempts to "blend the raw beauty of the 8C Competizione with the style of the MiTo in a larger, family-sized package." The car will feature three and five-door body styles and include a range of engines from 120 hp to 250 hp. In Europe, at least, it will go on sale next summer.