Panigale V4’s engine revealed
Words by Afzal Rawuther
Ducati has finally unveiled its V4 engine, which will power the Panigale V4, replacing the Panigale R as the flagship model. The Desmosedici Stradale is a 90 degree V4 derived from Ducati’s Desmosedici MotoGP programme. The same engine block used in Ducati’s MotoGP endeavour has been retuned for the road. The Desmosedici will be powering the Panigale V4, which is scheduled to be showcased at 2017 EICMA.
The new engine will be a 1100cc unit developing peak power of 210bhp at 13,000rpm and a max torque of 120Nm at 8750rpm. Ducati claims the MotoGP inspired technology has helped it save weight which will obviously make the bike more nimble and efficient. The engine in itself is mounted in a rather unusual fashion. It is a 90 degree V4 rotated 42 degrees rearward and is rather evidenced by Ducati’s MotoGP credentials, making it possible for them to make extremely compact, light and fast superbikes. Weighing in at 64.9kg, the Desmosedici Stradale is just 2.2 kg heavier than the 1285cc Superquadro and is one of the lightest race derived engines around. The Desmosedici Stradale uses the now famous Desmodromic cam system that hydraulically actuates the cams instead of the traditional spring based mechanism.
