Ducati has finally launched the 2020 Ducati Panigale V4 Superleggera on the 6th February 2020. Here are the official pictures and specs from Ducati!
A few weeks back leaks of the Project 1708 stormed the internet. We got some sneak preview of the carbon fibre bodywork and also a few snaps of the test bike through Ride Apart.
So from today’s official launch, the Project 1708 is the Ducati Panigale V4 Superleggera. Here is everything you need to know about this bike!
The V4 Superleggera
It is the most powerful and technologically advanced production Ducati ever built. The bike is a limited production model with only 500 examples built with each individually numbered. The bike also comes with a certificate of authenticity. The delivery of this bike starts in June 2020, where five bikes are delivered daily.
- The V4 Superleggera is the only street-legal motorcycle in the world with a carbon fibre chassis, swingarm and wheels.
- Features biplane wings and extreme aerodynamics!
- The power to weight ratio of this bike is 1.54 hp/kg in the racing kit configuration — a record value for a street-legal motorcycle.
- The lucky buyers who purchase the Superleggera V4 will also get a chance to track test on the factory Panigale V4 R competing in the Superbike World Championship. Also, for the first time, a unique opportunity to test the Desmosedici GP20!
The Ducati V4 Panigale Superleggera is the most powerful and technologically exceptional bike to be ever produced by Borgo Panigale manufacturer.
Alessandro Valia, an official Ducati tester, took the bike with the racing kit and slick tires around the Mugello circuit in 1:52:45 – less than two seconds from the lap time of the Ducati Panigale V4 R SBK, which was the winner of the 2019 Italian Motorspeed Championship (CIV) with Michele Pirro.
The Structure
To begin with, the entire load-bearing structure of the chassis (frame, subframe, swingarm and wheels) made from composite material, making it the first street-legal bike to utilise this technique. The use of these components reduces the weight of the motorcycle by 6.7Kg. To ensure safety, Ducati performed tests that are usually used in the aerospace industry. These test processes include thermography, ultrasound inspections and tomography.
The bike features various carbon-fibre parts in general. However, the carbon fibre aero parts catch the attention from any angle. Just as what we spotted on the leaks, On the official release, Ducati confirms that the V4 Superleggera features ‘biplane’ aerofoils. The inspiration behind this is the 2016 Ducati MotoGP. Ducati claims that the V4 is capable of putting a downforce of 50 kg at 270 kph. This is 20 kilograms more than the downforce created by the aerofoils on the Ducati Panigale V4 MY20 and V4 R. In turn, this downforce improves acceleration, by countering the tendency to wheel-up, and increases braking stability.
Powertrain
The 998 cm3 90° V4 that powers the Ducati V4 Superleggera which weighs 2.8 kg less than the 1,103 cm3 V4. The racing nature of the engine gets rawer by the use of the dry clutch and the individual manual adjustment of the Desmodromic timing system.
With the type-approved Akrapovič exhaust on the bike, it delivers no less than 224 CV in road-legal configuration (EU homologation figures). On the other hand, even with the titanium Akrapovič exhaust included in the Racing Kit supplied with the bike for track use the homologation figure rises to 234 CV.
The Ducati V4 Superleggera features a “RaceGP” display. Exclusively for track use, and according to Ducati, with valuable input from Andrea Dovizioso, the designing was performed. The display is a direct offshoot of the instrument panel from the Desmosedici GP20.
Extensive carbon fibre, titanium and magnesium components and others machined from solid aluminium are utilised in the elements of the bike. The Superleggera V4 has a dry weight of only 159 kg, which is 16 kg less than the Panigale V4. The result of this is a power-to-weight ratio of 1.41 hp/kg. The result of this is a record-breaking figure for a road-legal sports bike. By using the Race kit and changing the bike to the track, configuration boosts the power to 234 hp and drops the weight to 152.2 kg. This further raises the power-to-weight ratio to 1.54 hp/kg.
Suspension
As for the suspension, the Öhlins suspension system combined with a pressurised fork and lighter machined aluminium fork bottoms with a titanium shock absorber spring and GP-derived valves improve the damping of road bumps.
Brakes
As for the brakes, the Ducati V4 Superleggera features Brembo production range, with an MCS calliper. Also with a remotely adjusted lever gap and Stylema® R callipers. This provides greater front-brake stroke consistency in long track runs.
Features
The V4 Superleggera features three reprogrammed Riding Modes, Race A, Race B and Sport. On top of this, five additional Riding Modes can be personalised with the rider’s preferred settings. Furthermore, the Riders can monitor lap times which can record finish line and split times coordinates for five favourite circuits. These default circuits include Laguna Seca, Mugello, Jerez, Sepang and Losail. According to Ducati, it is topped by a latest-generation electronics package. Including EVO 2 strategies for the DTC and DQS up/down.
The buyers get an exclusive Superleggera V4 premium leather suit from Dianese with integrated air-bag. On top of this a carbon fibre helmet from Arai. Both fit to match the bike’s colours and graphics.
With the Panigale V4, Superleggera Ducati breaks the limit in terms of engineering capability. Developing a machine which breaks various records for a street-legal bike requires extensive engineering skills and Ducati aced it!
Ducati Superleggera V4 Price
The limited-run (500 units) Ducati Superleggera V4 is priced at USD 100,000 (RM414,000).
Ducati Panigale V4 Superleggera Gallery | Photo Credit : Ducati
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