Ducati has pulled the covers over its latest collectors edition motorcycle, with the Panigale V2 acting as the basis for the V2 Superquadro Final Edition.
The Italian brand describes the Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition as a token of gratitude and love for the Superquadro family of engines, the most sophisticated twin-cylinders ever produced by Ducati. The V2 Superquadro Final Edition is therefore the climax of a long series, which began over thirty years ago, of 90° V2 engines with desmodromic four-valve per cylinder distribution.
This collector's Panigale, produced in a limited and numbered series of 555 units, is a tribute to the Superquadro engine, whose story comes to fruition with Nicolò Bulega's conquest of the first Supersport world title.
The first Superquadro engine was created in 2011 for the 1199 Panigale. The name derives from the high ratio between bore and stroke, which in the 1285 cc displacement has allowed it to deliver an absolute benchmark maximum power value for a twin-cylinder. Evolved over the years, it has also seen the birth of smaller displacement versions, first 898 and then 955, the latter capable of winning the first Supersport world title for Ducati in 2023 with Nicolò Bulega, and of winning the MotoAmerica Supersport title in 2022 and 2023.
The technical solutions of the Superquadro twin-cylinder have set new standards for refinement and sophistication. The crankcases were made by Vacural® casting, with aluminium pressed-in cylinder liners equipped with NikaSil coating which allowed the heads to be fixed directly on the crankcases. The head, clutch and oil pan covers are made of magnesium. All this has helped to develop an extremely compact and rigid engine, a stressed element of an innovative chassis based on an unprecedented monocoque frame.
The desmodromic distribution has seen the adoption of "super-finished" rocker arms coated with DLC treatment, to reduce friction and increase resistance to fatigue. The mixed chain/gear control has set new benchmarks in terms of efficiency and reliability.
In the case of the Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition, the Superquadro adopted is the one with a displacement of 955 cc, as enjoyable on the road as it is effective and responsive on the track, with its 155 hp at 10,750 rpm and torque of 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm.
Ducati's tribute to this revolutionary engine takes the form of a collector's bike. The Superquadro Tribute livery, created by Drudi Performance together with the Centro Stile Ducati, remains faithful to the Ducati stylistic language by using the characteristic colours: white, red, black and grey.
The curve of the shield, on the upper half cowl, stretches out to coincide with the shape of the bike, and the numberplate underneath follows its outline. The Superquadro becomes the protagonist of the livery thanks to the technical drawing on the sides of the fairing, in the exact position of the engine, playing on the grey tones to remain in the background. The dark and cold tone of the matt grey of the tank accentuates the contrast with the colours on the fairing, giving the bike a modern character. The livery is then completed with the saddle embellished with embroidery that adds elegance to its sporty style.
Safety and full control of the motorbike are always guaranteed by the electronic equipment of the Panigale V2, based on the use of the 6-axis inertial platform. The electronic package includes ABS Cornering EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) EVO 2 and finally Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO, which helps the rider optimize the stability of his Ducati in extreme corner entry conditions.
The technical base of the Panigale V2, characterized by the monocoque chassis solution, is embellished by the Öhlins suspension and steering damper. The Rizoma rider footrests are adjustable, made from billet aluminium. The front and rear mudguards, the silencer end, the chain guard, the clutch cover protection, the one for the swingarm and the one for the shock absorber are all in carbon fibre. The battery is lithium-ion. The Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition is offered in a single-seater configuration, with sports grips. The animation of the dashboard at key-on and the contact key is unique to this model.
For those wishing to use the Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition on the circuit, it is possible to fit the kit for the removal of the license plate and mirrors*, and the billet aluminium racing tank cap* delivered together with the bike, which is already equipped with a GPS module for DDA data acquisition.
Like every collectable Ducati, the Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition is made unique by the triple clamp, in this case machined from solid, on which the model number is shown. The motorbike will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a personalized motorcycle cover.
The Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition is expected to become available in October 2024.
