As Alfa Romeo approaches its centenary the company is facing one of the busiest periods in its storied history. With a handful of new models, a possible switch from front-drive to rear-wheel-drive platforms, and a relaunch into the tough U.S. market all on the cards, it’s safe to say that the carmaker’s recently appointed CEO Luca de Meo has a tough couple years ahead of him.

We've seen the launch of the new Mi.To, but as de Meo reveals the stylish hatch is just the first of several major model introductions set to take place over the coming years. Speaking with Auto Motor und Sport, de Meo confirmed that the 149 (the replacement for the 147) will arrive in showrooms in September next year. This will be followed by a new crossover model based on the current 159 in 2010 as well as a convertible version of the Mi.To.

On top of this, there will also be a GTA performance variant of the Mi.To, complete with a 230hp (172kW) 1.75L turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. This will be joined in 2010 with a special edition 8C Competizione GTA, which will be built in an exclusive run of just 100 cars to mark the carmaker’s centenary.

The Alfa boss also confirmed that talks are taking place with Jaguar for the development of a new rear-wheel-drive platform, which will be used for the 169 luxury saloon. While the vehicle is confirmed for production, its launch date is yet to be decided and could be pushed as far back as 2012, de Meo explained.

Finally, Alfa is also working closely with its parent company Fiat and BMW over the development of a new generation of compact vehicles.