TURIN, Italy — Alfa Romeo executives have confirmed the marque's return to North America in late 2009 with an initial wave of three models: the Brera coupe, the 159 sedan and the Spider.

Initially, Alfa will use Maserati's U.S. dealer network as its primary sales channel. The two brands already have begun joint development of future products.

Executives told Inside Line that at least two other future models are under consideration for North America, but not until after 2010. They include an updated version of the sleek Kamal concept SUV as well as a slightly larger companion model, the 169, a midsize premium crossover vehicle designed along the lines of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class.

The Brera, the 159 and the Spider all are based on parent Fiat's Premium platform, which was jointly developed with General Motors. The Kamal and the 169, if approved for production, will likely share an updated version of the same platform, which is designed to accommodate both front- and four-wheel-drive configurations.

The U.S. market will get face-lifted editions of the three cars, which will be launched here as 2010 models in standard and high-performance GTA variants. Alfa expects to sell both four-cylinder and V6 gas engines in the U.S. The automaker may offer a five-cylinder common-rail diesel in the sedan as well.

The Kamal, which was first seen as a concept at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, currently is penciled into Alfa's lineup for 2011, with the 169 crossover tentatively slated for 2012. The 159 sedan is due for a redesign in 2012, and the Brera and Spider the following year.