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.