Ducati has just presented the Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition, a limited-edition collector’s bike that has the significance of a certificate of recognition and love for the Superquadro engine family, the most sophisticated twin-cylinder engines ever produced by Ducati. The culmination of a long series, begun over thirty years ago, of 90° V2 engines with desmodromic distribution and four valves per cylinder and ended with the Supersport title of Nicolò Bulega.
Engines that have been the defining element of Ducati Superbike and Supersport, giving rise in the latter category to iconic bikes such as the 748, 749, 848, 899 and 959, up to the current Panigale V2. This collector’s Panigale, produced in a limited and numbered series of 555 units, is a tribute to the Superquadro engine, whose history comes to an end with Nicolò Bulega’s conquest of the first Supersport world title.
The first Superquadro engine was born in 2011 for the 1199 Panigale. The name derives from the high ratio between bore and stroke, which in the 1285 displacement allowed it to deliver an absolute reference maximum power value for a twin-cylinder. Evolved over the years, it also saw the birth of the 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 conquering the MotoAmerica Supersport title in 2022 and 2023.
The technical solutions of the Superquadro twin-cylinder have set new standards of refinement and sophistication. The crankcases were made by Vacural® casting, with aluminum cylinder liners inserted and equipped with NikaSil coating that allowed the heads to be fixed directly to the crankcases. The head, clutch and oil sump covers were made of magnesium. All this has defined an extremely compact and rigid engine, a stressed element of an innovative chassis based on a new monocoque frame.
The desmodromic distribution has seen the adoption of “super-finished” and DLC-coated rocker arms, to reduce friction and increase fatigue resistance. 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 cm3, enjoyable to ride on the road as well as effective and responsive on the track, with its 155 HP at 10,750 rpm and a torque of 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm.
Ducati’s tribute to this revolutionary engine takes shape with a collector’s bike. The Superquadro Tribute livery, created by Drudi Performance together with the Ducati Style Centre, remains faithful to the Ducati stylistic language using its characteristic colours: white, red, black and grey.
The curve of the shield, on the upper half-fairing, extends until it coincides with the shapes of the bike, and the number plate underneath follows its shape. The Superquadro becomes the protagonist of the livery thanks to the technical design shown on the sides of the fairing, in the exact position of the engine, playing on shades of grey 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 bike 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, characterised by the monocoque frame solution, is enhanced by the Öhlins suspension and steering damper. The Rizoma rider footpegs are adjustable, made of billet aluminium. The front and rear mudguards, the silencer end caps, the chain guard, the clutch cover guard, the swingarm guard and the shock absorber guard are 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 dashboard animation at key-on and the ignition key are unique to this model.
For those who want to use the Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition on the circuit, it is possible to fit the license plate and mirror removal kit*, and the racing fuel tank cap in solid aluminium* delivered with the bike, which is already equipped with a GPS module for DDA data acquisition.
Like every collectible Ducati, the Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition is made unique by the steering plate, in this case machined from solid, on which the unit number is reported. The bike will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a personalized motorcycle cover.
The Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition will be available in dealerships in October 2024.
