Update | September 6, 2017: Clearest possible image for Ducati’s new V4 superbike recently surfaced online, that too few hours before its official unveil on September 7, 2017. It was spotted in Red and had minor changes in all aspects. The event will take place at Misano World Circuit in Italy. They even released an image teaser for their new engine but officially, the design lines were never revealed by the Italian manufacturer.
June 30, 2017: Ducati’s all-new V4 superbike was recently spotted, confirming the entry of an all new engine segment into Ducati lineup. This test mule was spotted with an all Black livery and carried new elements on the familiar Ducati face.
The front now seems sharper than ever, offering the new V4 Panigale with twin triangular eyes and closed front lower fairing. Muscle on the new motorcycle is clearly visible while side fairing has been improved for a better overall stance. The soft side in attitude of current 959 Panigale goes missing from the test bike.
Ducati has made an engine that is very powerful, lightweight and compact to use in an everyday racer. They are planning to race the bike with this engine in WSB and thus, they will join the league of superbike brands like BMW, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha.
The 1000cc, 4-cylinder engine with an R in its name is the most possible configuration for the new engine. The new motorcycle will lose the conventional Panigale frame and bring the big boxy exhaust in order to comply with the new emission norms.
Ducati India recently removed the 1299 Panigale from the Indian website. The motorcycle was not BS4 compliant and would return few months later with the new emission standards. 959 Panigale is current using 955 cc, twin cylinder engine producing 154.85 HP at 10,500 rpm and 107.4 Nm at 9,000 rpm.
959 Panigale weighs 200 kg and claim a top speed of 289 kmph. Ducati will launch the new machine in 2019 while updates to other products will keep rolling in the same way as they were done before. Ducati V4 will be priced at a premium point over 959 Panigale.
Images Source: MCN
