Is this 'planet's most powerful'?
2011-10-11 12:25
READY TO GO: The unveiling of Ducati's 1199 Panigale is mere weeks away.
Ducati has revealed more details of its upcoming 1199 Panigale superbike. The launch is due at the 2011 international motorcycle show in Milan, Italy that will open to the public on November 8.
The Superbike debuts Ducati’s latest engine, the Superquadro (see images) which the Italian manufacturer describes as "the most extreme benchmark yet.". Engineers were briefed to increase power and torque for a motorcycle that would have a lower overall weight than previously.
The all-new Superquadro gets its name from its oversquare bore and stroke ratio of 112mm versus 60.8mm.
PLANET'S MOST POWERFUL
Ducati claims the Superquadro is the most powerful twin-cylinder production engine “on the planet” with outputs of 145kW/133Nm at 10 750 and 9000rpm, respectively.
A legacy of Ducati’s previous engines is the Superquadro’s 90-degree L-twin configuration and its Desmodromic valve control. The engine architecture has been recalculated to provide the best mix of weight distribution and strength. The cylinders have been swung backwards around the crankcases which have been positioned 32mm further forward for better weight distribution.
Ducati’s engineers also used the opportunity to develop a new six-speed gearbox with a wet clutch based on those in use in the Multistrada and Diavel.
The new engine also has riding modes that deliver power to suit the rider’s style and road conditions.
The Ducati 1199 Panigale will be revealed at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan from November 10-13, 2011.
