Unveiled in the ninth and final episode of the Ducati World Première 2022 web series, the new Panigale V4 SP2 is a numbered release designed specifically with track riding in mind and further raises the performance of the Panigale V4.
With the SP2 tag, Ducati is calling the newest member of the Panigale family the peak sportiness of the Panigale V4, with improvements across the board in aerodynamics, ergonomics, engine, chassis and electronics.
The SP2 version has an even more powerful braking system, lightweight carbon rims, final drive and dry clutch inherited from the WorldSBK bikes, racing footpegs and a series of carbon components. The bike is also delivered with a kit for track use, which includes billet aluminium caps for the removal of rear-view mirrors, a kit for removing the license plate holder and an open carbon clutch cover.
Visually the SP2 is striking. Clad in Ducati Corse's "Winter Test" livery, the matt black of the fairings is combined with the matt carbon finish of the rims and wings, contrasting with the bright red accents and the brilliance of the exposed brushed aluminium tank.
The wings feature a double profile design are embellished with the Italian flag which also appears on the official Panigale V4 R SBK. The steering head is machined from solid alloy and shows the progressive number of the motorcycle, making each model unique.
At the heart of the bike is, of course, the 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale, which for 2022 boasts a slight increase in power and improved throttle response. Claimed power is now 215.5hp at 13,000 rpm. A power increase of 1.5 hp over the 2021 Panigale V4.
To help up the track performance of the SP2, Ducati even went as far as developing dedicated gear-by-gear torque curves and four different Power Modes (Full, High, Medium, Low). The Full and Low configurations are newly developed, while the High and Medium configurations use a new strategy compared to the previous Panigale V4.
When it comes to hitting the track, Ducati has even more performance in reserve to be unlocked in the pits. With the addition of the new full titanium Ducati Performance racing exhaust, which was developed in collaboration with Akrapovič and available as an accessory, the SP2 can bark out an extra 12.5hp bringing power up to 228hp and max torque to 131Nm all while sneaking in under track noise limits. As a bonus, the track pipe also drops 5kg of mass from the bike and takes dry weight to just 168kg.
Other enhancements include lighter 5-split spoke carbon wheels (1.4 kg lighter than the aluminium forged ones of the Panigale V4 S) exclusive Brembo Stylema R® front brake calipers, and Rizoma footpegs in anodized aluminium with carbon fibre heel guards.
New Zealand pricing for the SP2 has been set at $59,495 with the first bikes expected to arrive in the third quarter of this year.
