Limited-Edition Quattroporte

After enjoying a fairly successful 2007 with sales up 20 percent in North America, exclusive Italian carmaker Maserati used its Detroit press event to highlight its expectations of continued growth. With its most respected model range in decades, and production running at ten times the rate than just a few years ago, that optimism has some justification.

The highlight of the show stand was the Quattroporte "Collezione Cento," a special edition of the company's four-door luxury sedan. Meaning "collection hundred," the "Collezione Cento" has a limited run of 100 cars.

Based on the Automatica and fitted with the 4.2-liter 400-horsepower engine, it comes in a unique ivory paint, with a special side livery to distinguish it from other Quattroportes. Other exterior highlights are the 20-inch wheels with their polished rims, chromed air vents and grille.

The interior is exquisite, fitted out with "Poltrona Frau Cuoio" tan leather, polished wood inserts, and there are mother of pearl inlays on the gearlever and name badge.

Rear-seat passengers are presented with what the company describes as a "multimedia paradise." This system can be used to listen to music, make phone calls, view photographs or videos, or even browse the Internet and send emails via a keypad built into the armrest.

The rear center armrest console contains an entertainment system for iPod docking, auxiliary socket for connection of other devices, SIM card slot and USB port. There is even a built-in CD/DVD player. If you don't want to utilize the car's own speakers, you can don special wireless Bluetooth headsets instead. Large LCD screens are embedded in the backs of the front seats.

The Collezione Cento embodies Maserati's formula for success and for riding out an economic downturn: exclusivity, exceptional luxury, and pursuing the super rich.

Maserati North America President James Selwa dismissed concerns about the current economic turmoil. "Many people are fearful of what interest rate hikes, real estate price falls and the oil price will mean for the [luxury car market]" he said.

But, he explained, Maserati's customers are not people who occasionally "buy a Hermès tie or take on a bit more credit card debt for a nice pair of shoes. The rich are very rich and have a lot of money to spend. This is the group we focus on. We work hard to attract to the super wealthy and their social networks into the Maserati family."

Consider yourself warned: you need a hefty bank balance, not just a smart tie and a nice pair of shoes to elicit a friendly response from your local Maserati dealer.