Upfront............................................
After months of speculation Ducati’s finally released more details about its much anticipated V4 powerhouse. The new engine, which is closely derived from the brand’s blisteringly fast MotoGP Desmodesici offering, will sport a slightly larger capacity than its counterpart at 1,103cc, though a higher revving R version with less than 1,000cc will also be produced for homologation racing purposes.
Power is claimed to be in excess of 207bhp at 13,000rpm, while torque figures are suggested to see a monstrous 120Nm from as low as 8,750rpm. The 90º V4, which is the first ever production four-cylinder engine to be released by Ducati, will be mounted to the Panigale V4 with its front cylinders banked 42º back from horizontal to permit optimumweight distribution, the utilisation of the largest possible radiator, and so that the swingarm pivot point can be brought as far forward as possible; allowing a shorter overall wheelbase.
An 81mm bore mimics the GP motor, as do its near identical valves, oval throttle bodies and intake ducts. Likewise, to reduce the overall gyroscopic effect and ensure a smoother power delivery, the crankshaft is of a counter rotating type with its crankpins set at 70º. The motor’s twin-pulse firing sequence has been applied to optimise traction out of corners (Big Bang style) and offer more manageable driveability. Naturally, the motor features Ducati’s iconic and proven Desmodromic valve train system, which permits the engine to rev higher. Another first for Ducati is the company’s use of variable height air intake horns, which adjust according to revs in order to maximise engine performance throughout the Stradale’s rev range.
Following its unveiling at the San Marino MotoGP, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali was keen to highlight the synergies between the new motor and the Grand Prix engine that influenced its design and build: “It is with undiluted pride that we unveil this technological gem. It represents the start of a new chapter for our company, underlining our vitality and an unshakeable commitment to investment in new products.
“This engine also highlights the close collaboration between Ducati Corse and the factory bike development team, proving just how instrumental racing can be in developing the technology that is later applied on production bikes. On November 5 at 21.00 CET at the Ducati World Premiere 2018, we’ll be showcasing the new Panigale V4, an all-new motorcycle powered by this extraordinary engine.”
For us, and those of you Ducatisti out there, that’s a date that can’t come soon enough, as we expect nothing but utter brilliance from this milestone motor and the brand’s new Panigale that’s set to shuttle it around. We’ll be back with more info as soon as we have it.
Bravo, Ducati.