Since its 1996 introduction - model year 1997 - a great deal has transpired in the ultra-luxury segment. While the A8 still holds the sedan title for total aluminum usage, competitive marques have upped the performance ante offering higher output versions of their full-size cars. Audi answered the challenge by developing the potent S8, a limited-production super sedan now available to Canadian enthusiasts.

While you might think that buckling yourself up next to 360 horsepower would feel akin to strapping yourself to a ballistic missile, the opposite is true. The S8 surges forward with maturity and sophistication, never letting on that it's going as quickly as the speedometer suggests. In reality, 0 - 100 km/h takes just over six seconds (6.3) and the ¼ mile arrives in a rapid 13.9. Shifts are so smooth that they seem anticlimactic. I left the transmission in 'drive' for stop and go city traffic but shifted into Tiptronic mode when the roadway decongested. The manually actuated automatic can be shifted via the console gear lever or simply by flicking left or right thumb buttons positioned at 9 and 3 o'clock on the steering wheel, to upshift or downshift - sensational!

The S8's handling is easily as rewarding as its forward thrust, with a competent chassis capable of gobbling up long sweeping curves at ridiculous speeds. When the road becomes tighter the weight of the big sedan can be felt, yet body lean is hardly noticeable. The 18" alloy wheels shod with 245/45 ZR18 performance tires might have a great deal to do with the S8's impressive road manners, as does the sophisticated suspension, not your garden-variety parts bin special. The all-aluminum fully independent system is 20 mm lower than that in the standard A8, with 30% stiffer spring rates and 40% more compression damping in the shocks combined with thicker stabilizer bars.

Audi's legendary quattro all-wheel drive comes standard on the S8. During high-speed stints in wet weather conditions my concerns frivolously drifted to choosing the perfect intermittent wiper position rather than the usual desperate search for traction. A self-locking Torsen center differential is used to distribute power between the front and rear wheels as necessary. Audi has also fitted the S8 with a standard electronic stabilization system. By factoring data including wheel speeds via the anti-lock brakes, traction control and steering angle, as well as yaw and lateral acceleration sensors, the car literally thinks ahead, counteracting driver error and necessary avoidance maneuvers. Fortunately driver and passengers are kept unaware as all this technological wizardry performs its magic without commotion.

Both active and passive safety features are key Audi criteria, evidenced by its massive 13.6" diameter disc brakes at the front and 11" rotors at the rear. The four-piston fixed caliper brakes are supplied by Brembo, one of the most respected names in performance brake parts. ABS with EBD (electronic braking pressure distribution) is also standard, giving the S8 driver superior control during panic maneuvers.

While the S8 seems to be all about performance enhancing technology, lovers of traditional luxury won't be left wanting for more. As automotive interiors go, the S8 is in a league of its own. You won't have to endure any imitation aluminum trim or faux wood paneling. The aluminum comes in thick chunks, beautifully finished into elegant objects of modern art. Wood accents are plentiful yet discreet, as Audi has opted for a subtle gray birds-eye maple rather than the usual bright and bold woodwork found in traditional luxury sedans. At night the entire cabin lights up in a display of soft red LEDs. Not only breathtaking, the lights conveniently point the way to each switch and control. The leather seats are supportive and comfortable, and can be ordered with optional Alcantra suede-like inserts that hold you in place during enthusiastic driving. The suede theme continues throughout the cabin, covering door panels and headliner.

Standard features include the usual luxury fare, with the exception of a few items you would most likely not even think to ask for. Try a fully automatic climate control system that actually makes adjustments based on sunrays. Why not? For those of you who detest climbing into an "oven" after your car has been parked in the sun, Audi offers an optional solar sunroof that powers fresh air fans while the S8 is parked, to keep things cool. If you're an audiophile you'll appreciate the sensational 200-watt Bose sound system, one of the best in the business. All in all, few luxury vehicles are equipped as well as the S8.

If there is one thing to gripe about, it has to be the styling. While attractive in a very non-offensive way, the big Audi doesn't grab eyeballs. Parked next to the sensational A6 or provocative TT, it actually looks rather bland. To some, the fact that the S8 doesn't attract unnecessary attention is precisely its appeal. That said most are looking for a little more status in the styling department when dishing out the small fortune necessary to purchase a premium luxury sedan. Fortunately next year's updated A8/S8 promises to deliver as much form as function.

Styling aside, the Audi flagship delivers edge-of-your-seat thrills in a sophisticated luxury package that few sport sedans can match. It is simply one of the best sedans ever built.