Mercedes-Benz's Alubeam paint
What It Is: Auto makers release limited-run or special-edition colors as a way to test new car-color trends; colors that prove popular with consumers eventually show up on multiple models.

Auto makers also pay attention when one-off colors on concept cars generate interest at auto shows.

How to Get It: Mercedes-Benz's AMG Alubeam paint is described as "liquid metal" -- the ultra-fine aluminum particles in the paint are 30 to 50 nanometers wide versus conventional paint flakes that measure 100 to 300 nanometers. (A nanometer is one billionth of a meter.) The metallic mercury silver coat is available only on the very limited run of 2008 CL65 AMGs (only 40 cars were made).

Buick's Cocoa Metallic for the 2008 Enclave proved popular in pre-sales; coffee hues will also be offered in the 2008 Lucerne, Saturn and Outlook.

VW's Farenheit GTI

VW's 2007 GTI Fahrenheit Special Editions comes in a sunny orange while the hot color for the 2007 GLI Fahrenheit is a cheery yellow.

Ford's 2007 Edge was launched in special-edition Blazing Copper (orange) and Dark Amethyst (metallic purple), while the 2008 F250 truck offered a King Ranch upgrade package that included an exclusive Rich Cinnamon paint. While Blazing Copper was also offered for 2007 Ford Escape, the 2008 Escape's signature color is "Kiwi Green."

GMC paired with rap icon Jay-Z for a one-off 2007 Yukon Denali in "Jay-Z Blue," a sparkly red-based blue; based on consumer and media attention, GMC hasn't ruled out bringing the color into production.

Upside: A snazzy orange, copper or coffee car is a sure way to stand out on a highway full of vehicles in silver, black and gray -- the most popular auto colors.

Downside: Scratches in limited-edition colors can be as much as three times as expensive to repair. Colors that aren't moved into production are phased out as early as two years after their premiere so your dealer's repair shop may not even have the color to hide a scratch.

Cost: Special-edition colors are usually included in the cost of the auto. The King Ranch package, which includes special paint among other options like leather-trimmed seats and 18-inch wheels, is available for the F-150 (a total price of $35,495 for the car and package versus $18,275 for the base model) and F-250 4x2 Super Cab ($36,360 versus $22,380 for base model).