The new 240 hp Ducati Panigale V4 R brings racing technology to the street

New year 2023 Ducati The Panigale V4 R looks like a motorcycle designed for racing and has the technology to back it up. Introduced as a street superbike, it has more power than 2022 Subaru BRZ including thanks to the engineering solutions of MotoGP.

Power comes from a 998cc V4 engine that develops 207 horsepower at 13,500 rpm as standard and is capable of revving to 16,500 rpm in sixth gear. Adding what the company calls a racing exhaust bumps output up to 237 horsepower, and the hike doesn’t stop there. Ducati has teamed up with Shell to develop an engine oil specifically for the Panigale V4 R. It reduces mechanical friction by 10% and increases power by 3.5. Adapted race exhaust and fill with Shell special oil and you’re sitting at over 240 horsepower.

Engineers used decades of racing experience to unlock this result. Specifically, the engine features gun-drilled titanium connecting rods that are drilled longitudinally to create an oil passage, and pistons with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) surface treatment. This solution reduces friction between the pistons and cylinders and is more common in MotoGP and Formula 1 engines.

Riders have four engine tunes to choose from, called Full, High, Mid and Low respectively. The low-end V4 makes 160 horsepower and reduces throttle response for a more confident ride on low-grip surfaces. Ducati also added the Engine Brake Control EVO 2 engine brake control system with three level selection and Quick-Shift function for the six-speed gearbox.

The mechanically adjustable suspension system includes an Öhlins sealed fork, an Öhlins shock absorber and a single-sided rear swingarm made of aluminum. Ducati notes that this setup allows the system to “copy” the asphalt and focus on load transfer.

Most of the visual changes follow a “function over form” design approach. The profile of the 4.5-gallon fuel tank provides support for the rider’s arms and legs when braking and cornering, the two-piece fenders are thinner and more compact, and the new fairing design improves engine cooling while making the Panigale V4 R more stable on the track. . Fairing complies with WorldSBK championship regulations; in the car world it is Ford building cougar with body kit which meets the requirements of the FIA World Rally Championship normative acts.

Pricing for the 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R starts at $44,995, with deliveries scheduled for spring 2023. Buyers have several options to choose from, including weight reduction. carbon fiber parts and a Pit Stop package that adds heated tires and a garage stand.