Joerg Teuchert
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Ducati presents the Panigale V4 SP2: “The Ultimate Racetrack Machine”
The Panigale V4 SP2 is the top model for Ducati super sports motorcycles: a special and exciting version for track riding, even more intuitive and less tiring even for non-professional riders
Carbon fiber rims, Brembo Stylema R® brake calipers, MCS radial master cylinder, dry clutch, 520 chain, billet footpegs and a specific kit for track use: the “SP” technical specifications push to the max the racing characteristics of the Panigale V4 and accompany all the improvements made on the 2022 version
Produced in numbered series, the Panigale V4 SP2 is characterized by the “Winter Test” livery and a series of carbon fiber details
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), March 10, 2022 – In the ninth and final episode of the Ducati World Premiere 2022 web series, Ducati unveiled the new Panigale V4 SP2 to enthusiasts: a special motorcycle in a numbered series, designed to fully experience the passion of riding on the track, further increasing the performance of the Panigale V4.
The Ducati Panigale family is the maximum expression of the continuous exchange of information and technology from the world of racing to production motorcycles and with each new version it continues its evolution year after year, as happens with the prototypes Ducati Corse. The “SP2” is the model with which Ducati takes the sportiness of the Panigale V4 to the top, whose 2022 version has taken the most important evolutionary step since its creation, improving in all aspects: aerodynamics, ergonomics, engine, chassis and electronics.
The Panigale V4 SP2 stands out for its equipment with the typical technical specifications of the abbreviation “SP” (Sport Production) which are combined with all the improvements made by Ducati engineers on the Panigale V4 2022 to create the most performing Panigale in all the time.
The “SP2” version has an even more powerful braking system, lightweight carbon rims, final drive and dry clutch inherited from WorldSBK motorcycles, racing footpegs and a series carbon components. The motorcycle also comes with a kit for track use, which includes machined aluminum caps for mirror removal*, a kit for removing the license plate holder* and the open carbon clutch cover* .
The result is “The Ultimate Racetrack Machine”: a special model, ideal for the non-professional pilot who wants to experience days on the track challenging his own records.
The Panigale V4 SP2 is characterized by the “Winter Test” livery, in which the matt black of the fairings is combined with the matt carbon finish of the rims and fenders, contrasting with the bright red accents and the shine of the exposed brushed aluminum tank. The double profile fenders are adorned with the Italian flag which also appears on the official Panigale V4 R SBK. The lower part of the fairing is distinguished by the presence of the Ducati Corse logo at the level of the new hot air extractors and by a red detail bearing the name of the motorcycle, also present on the black saddle in double material. The steering head is machined in the mass and displays the progressive number of the motorcycle, making each model unique.
The heart of the Panigale V4 SP2 is the MotoGP-derived 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale: a counter-rotating crankshaft V4 with plenty of low-end torque and capable of expressing the bike’s racing soul on the track. For 2022, the Desmosedici Stradale has improved with the introduction of dedicated technical elements, which have resulted in increased power and improved throttle response.
Thanks to these interventions and a new dedicated mapping, the engine of the Euro 5 version delivers 215.5 hp at 13,000 rpm, with a power gain of 1.5 hp compared to the Panigale V4 2021 which goes up to 2.5 hp beyond maximum power peak at 14,500 rpm** .
To capitalize on the full potential of this engine, dedicated speed-by-speed torque curves and four different power modes (Full, High, Medium, Low) have been developed by Ducati. The Full and Low setups are newly developed, while the High and Medium setups use a new strategy.
When used on the track, the performance of the Desmosedici Stradale can be further enhanced with the new all-titanium Ducati Performance racing exhaust, developed in conjunction with Akrapovič and available as an accessory.
This exhaust features tall mufflers along the tail and has been redesigned to increase performance and limit noise, giving everyone the ability to ride a full racing exhaust even on the tightest sound limit tracks. With this exhaust the Panigale V4 SP2 is 5 kg lighter, bringing the dry weight of the bike to just 168 kg. The Akrapovič exhaust also guarantees a power increase of 12.5 hp, bringing the maximum value to 228 hp, while the maximum torque value rises to 131 Nm**.
The link with motorcycles racing in the Superbike World Championship is even more evident in the “SP2” version of the Panigale V4. Indeed, to the more “track oriented” gearbox already presented on the 2022 Panigale V4, this bike adds the lightened final drive with 520 chain and the STM-EVO SBK dry clutch. This clutch guarantees a more effective anti-jump function in the extreme uses of the motorcycle on the track and greater fluidity in all the “off-gas” phases compared to the oil bath clutch of the Panigale V4 S. The STM-EVO SBK clutch also offers the possibility of customizing the level of “mechanical” engine braking by choosing a secondary spring different from those available in the Ducati Performance accessories catalogue.
The Panigale V4 SP2 chassis features an aluminum front frame that uses the Desmosedici Stradale as a stressed member. The aluminum swingarm and the cast aluminum seatpost are directly connected to the motor. The swingarm pivot is positioned to increase the anti-squat effect, i.e. the reduction of rear end squat when exiting corners and when re-opening the throttle, stabilizing thus the motorcycle in acceleration.
The suspension system includes an electronically controlled 125mm travel Öhlins NPX25/30 pressurized fork up front that uses a pressurized cartridge damping system derived from racing forks. This fork, together with the Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber and the electronic steering damper, also Öhlins, forms the second generation of the Smart EC 2.0 system characterized by the OBTI logic (Objective Based Tuning Interface) which, operating “by objectives” and not by clicks, allows the pilot a much more intuitive management than traditional systems.
To further improve the track performance and dynamic qualities of the Panigale V4, the “SP2” version is equipped with 5 split-spoke carbon wheels, 1.4 kg lighter than the forged aluminum ones of the Panigale V4 S. carbon rims guarantee a significant reduction in inertia (-26% at the front, -46% at the rear) for the benefit of agility, lightness in the changes of direction and greater ease in the closing of the curves.
The Panigale V4 SP2 is also equipped with exclusive Brembo Stylema R® front brake calipers, which guarantee high stopping power combined with exceptional consistency of performance even during a long timed session without modification of the brake lever travel. The calipers are actuated by a Brembo MCS (Multiple Click System) radial pump that allows the wheelbase to be adjusted quickly and easily in three configurations to customize braking feel. The front brake lever is equipped with a “remote adjustment” device, which allows its position to be adjusted by acting on a button located on the left grip, as is the case on racing bikes. Finally, on the “SP2” version, the brake and clutch levers are milled at the ends to reduce air resistance.
Another essential element that characterizes the Panigale V4 SP2 is the equipment with Rizoma footrests in anodized aluminum with carbon fiber heel guards. The footpegs are fully adjustable and maximize ground clearance for more efficient use on the trail. These racing footpegs provide great grip for the boots, essential for riding at the limit on the circuit, further contributing to completely redesigned ergonomics in 2022 with the new tank and saddle shapes, studied to improve control and pull the most of the performance of the Panigale V4 both on the flying lap and during an extended session.
The Panigale V4 SP2 has an electronic package that includes controls that manage all driving phases, whose operating parameters are linked by default to the 4 driving modes (Race A, Race B, Sport, Street).
All the electronic parameters of the bike can be clearly viewed thanks to the dashboard and the “Track Evo” display mode, derived from that used in MotoGP. In this screen, the tachometer moves on a horizontal scale positioned in the highest part of the instrument, or the most visible, and the indication of the gear engaged is in the center of the screen. In the right area of the screen there are four sectors of different colors, each dedicated to an electronic control (DTC, DWC, DSC, EBC). These sectors light up individually when the electronics are working on a certain parameter, remaining lit for the time necessary for the pilot to identify which indicator is activated. This signaling mode facilitates the task of the pilot in understanding the control which has worked to enable him to intervene in a more precise and timely manner on the choice of the optimal level and to achieve better performance more quickly. The left sector completes the information with the stopwatch, the number of laps completed and the speed.
On the “SP2” version, the GPS module is standard, thus allowing the activation of the automatic Lap Time function, which instantly provides the indication of two intermediate times of the track on which you are turning. In addition, by loading the Slick Ducati Performance software (available as an accessory), the Ducati Traction Control curves specially developed for slick and rain tires are available and the possibility of memorizing the coordinates of five different tracks is activated, as well as five others entirely customizable. Driving styles. Finally, thanks to the Ducati Data Analyzer, standard on the SP2, it is possible to carry out an in-depth analysis of all performance data.
The new Panigale V4 SP2 is available in single-seater configuration in “Winter Test” livery from March 2022.
A dynamic video and a beauty video of the new Panigale V4 SP2 are available on the Ducati YouTube channel.
#PanigaleV4SP2 #TheUltimateRacetrackMachine
* This product is intended for vehicles used exclusively in a closed circuit. Use on public roads is prohibited by law.
** These values refer to Euro5 engine configuration.
