Maserati has posted its global sales results year-to-date for 2008 and, despite the worldwide economic downturn, the resurgent Italian sporting marque is keeping its head above the stormy waters. A total of 7,700 Maseratis have left the factory and found their way into customers’ hands in the first 11 months of 2008, an increase of 22 percent over 2007.

The drop-dead gorgeous looks of the Gran Turismo - introduced this year - have no doubt helped Maserati’s cause. Over 4,700 Gran Turismos have been delivered year-to-date.

The ‘Gentleman’s’ Maserati, the Quattroporte, with its September 2008 makeover, has also been experiencing positive sales with 2,900 models making it into the driveways of the well-heeled this year.

But where are all these luxury sales being made? Well, surprise, surprise… North America heads up the list, followed by Italy, then, in descending order, Great Britain, Germany, Japan, China - with record growth - France, Switzerland, Australia, The United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong.

The outlook for 2009 is a cautious one - with markets sliding into recession and auto makers experiencing difficulties everywhere - but Maserati says it’s ready for the challenges of 2009. (Might not be many stockbrokers poking around showrooms though.)