In our ongoing series of future product plan coverage let's take a look at what will be coming across the Atlantic in the coming years. Glancing through the Automotive News analysis it would appear Europe's focus will be on crossovers, small cars and increased fuel efficiency. Who'd a thunk it? But a return of Alfa Romeo and a "cheap" Rolls Royce should keep things interesting. I'm only covering half of the European brands today because, well, there's a lot of them!

Alfa Romeo: After years of hints and innuendos it appears Alfa Romeo may really be coming to America in 2009. Look for the 8C Competizione (rear-drive coupe with 450hp V8), the 159 sedan (front- or all-wheel drive), the Brea (a 2+2 coupe) and the Spider (a two-seat convertible based off the Brea platform). Momma-mia!

Aston Martin: The DBS is debuting this week in Frankfurt, and it looks to be a worthy successor to the Vanquish. But the real test of Aston Martin's future will come with the launch of it high-end, high-performance sedan, the Rapide (in 2009). With new ownership and a new product direction the future could be very bright for this British brand.

Audi: The redesigned A4 is practically here, and the redesigned A6 follows next year. But the big news for 2009  is a sleek new A7 sedan that goes up against the CLS, plus not one but two new crossovers (one of which is the Q5, pictured). An A5 convertible and redesigned A8 round out the fun in 2010.

   The topic of exotic car depreciation is one of those ugly truths no one wants to talk about -- at least no one who owns an exotic car. With the exception of late 90s Internet stock, exotic cars are one of the more effective money vacuums you will ever experience if you take the plunge and buy a new one. There are a few notable exceptions, such as mid-engine Ferraris, but that only holds true if you can get a new one at MSRP (which you can't unless you know the right person or put your name on a list and wait three years).

The good news is that I just drove an Aston Martin V8 Vantage. The bad news is that it was raining the entire time. No matter when it rains in Southern California (which isn't very often) it never fails to screw something up. Often it's something pretty inconsequential, such as a major freeway being washed out or a landslide in millon-dollar neighborhoods. But this time it messed up my test drive. The nerve of Mother Nature!