Rennie Scaysbrook | September 7, 2017
In a special ceremony, today at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, Ducati took the wraps off its brand new V4 superbike engine for the Panigale V4, dubbed the Desmosedici Stradale.
The hugely anticipated new engine will see an end to the twin-cylinder superbike motor that has long been the DNA of Ducati, and comes from the company’s involvement in MotoGP, where they have campaigned a V4 engine format since their arrival in the series in 2003.
“It’s 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”, stated Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO, during the presentation of the Desmosedici Stradale. “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 to production bikes. In November, at EICMA, we’ll be showcasing the new Panigale V4, an all-new motorcycle powered by this extraordinary engine”.
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali (left) with Michele Pirro, Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo (right) and the new Ducati V4.
The numbers make for heavy reading. 210 hp at 13,000 rpm, 88 lb-ft of torque at 12,250 rpm, all in an engine that weighs only a claimed 4.8 lbs more than the current, twin-cylinder 1285cc Superquadro motor that powers the 1299 Panigale at 143 lb.
There will be two iterations of the motor, one a 1103cc version with more torque aimed at the road rider and a 999cc version whose sole requirement is to win the WorldSBK title (four-cylinder engines must remain below 1000cc in WorldSBK competition). That motor will not be available for competition until the 2019 season, so Chaz Davies and Marco Melandri will once again campaign the twin-cylinder motor next season.
New pistons for the 81mm bore–the same as MotoGP.
The Desmosedici Stradale will become one of a select number of road machines with a counter-rotating crank, just as in MotoGP (the MV Agusta F3 800 is the only other production machine to use this method). The crank pins are off-set at 70° that gives the new V4 a Big Bang firing order (two pistons firing together), mimicking the behavior of a V-twin.
Ducati has kept is signature 90° layout but rocked the engine in the chassis back 42° from horizontal to optimize weight distribution and allow the designers to use larger radiators and move the swingarm pivot forwards.
Inside the engine itself sits the same 81mm bore as the MotoGP machine (coupled with a 53.5mm stroke), with the same valves, variable intake ducts, and 52mm throttle body dimensions, and of course, the use of Ducati’s trademark Desmodromic valve actuation system.
Variable intake trumpets sit atop new 52mm throttle bodies.
The power gets transmitted to the road via a six-speed gearbox equipped with the Ducati Quick Shift system that allows for up and down clutchless shifting.
Despite the racetrack pedigree, Ducati claims the new Desmosedici Stradale inside the Panigale V4 has a 15,000-mile service life.
The full Panigale V4 will be revealed this November at EICMA in Milan. Stay tuned!
Ducati Panigale V4 Desmosedici Stradale Highlights
- 1103 cc four-cylinder, 90-degree V4
- Bore x stroke: 81 x 53.5 mm
- Compression ratio: 14:1
- Maximum power exceeds 210 hp at 13,000 rpm
- Maximum torque exceeds 88 lb-ft from 8750 to 12,250 rpm Counter-rotating crankshaft
- Twin Pulse firing sequence, crank pins offset at 70°
- Euro 4 emissions
- Desmodromic part chain, part gear timing with dual overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder
- Wet multi-plate anti-patter servo clutch
- Semi-dry sump lubrication with four oil pumps: 1 delivery and 3 return
- Fueling with four oval throttle bodies (52 mm diameter equivalent) and variable-height intake horns
- 6-speed gearbox with DQS up/down system
- 15,000-mile “Desmo-service” maintenance interval
