It's predecessor outshone even Robert De Niro and Jean Reno in the 1998 Hollywood blockbuster Ronin, but Audi's latest S8 flagship seems destined for even greater superstardom.
Based on the aluminium-rich A8 sedan launched internationally three years ago, the S8 lifts performance to an altogether more stratospheric plane, thanks to the shoehorning of a hairy-chested V10 (sourced from Audi's Lamborghini subsidiary) under its elegantly sculpted bonnet.
The 5.2-litre V10 is derived from the 5.0-litre unit that powers the Lamborghini Gallardo and punches out 336kW and 540Nm -- less power, but more torque than the mid-engined Lambo. The S8's outputs don't quite match the range-topping V12 bruisers from Mercedes-Benz, but Audi says its offering has a "much more sporty emphasis than a comparable twelve-cylinder power unit".
Do you like driving a manual? If so, look elsewhere, because the S8 comes standard with a six-speed Tiptronic auto (hardly surprising, given the target market), but top gear has a lower ratio than in the A8 to ensure it delivers "forceful acceleration even in sixth gear".
It's clearly no slouch. Audi claims the S8 can bolt from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, on its way to an electronically governed at 250 km/h (if you happen to live in Germany, or the Northern Territory).
The S8 uses Audi's trademark quattro drivetrain and firmed-up adaptive air suspension to ensure the engine's prodigious grunt is matched by the chassis. Under normal circumstances, 40 per cent of torque is directed to the front wheels and 60 per cent to the rear, but if surface conditions change, the mechanical differential can divert up to 85 per cent of power to the rear wheels, or as much as 65 per cent to the front.
Adding to the S8's dynamic capabilities and don't-argue stance is a set of stunning 20-inch S-design alloy wheels, wrapped in 265/35 rubber. The rims conceal a massive (optional) ceramic braking system comprising 385mm front discs and 335mm at the rear.
Audi says the ceramic discs offer significant advantages compared with conventional steel discs -- they are allegedly half the weight, largely insusceptible to heat fading and corrosion, and achieve an operating distance of up to 300,000km (four times that of steel discs).
Visually, the barnstorming limo is differentiable from more mundane siblings via the S8 emblem on the huge single-frame grille, which resides above three slim-line air inlets cut into the front apron. The two large air inlets beneath the headlights are filled with honeycomb grilles.
The S8's flanks are adorned by emblems on the wheel arches, door handles with aluminium strips and aluminium-look mirror housings. Its derriere also features an S8 emblem, bootlid spoiler and quartet of ellipsoidal tailpipes. Understated, yet imposing.
Hmmm...wonder if I can get a job as an extra in Ronin II?