Stunning Ducati Superleggera V4 unveiled
Most powerful and technologically advanced Ducati yet, with 500 units to be produced worldwide…Ducati has pulled the covers off its jaw-dropping 2020 Ducati Superleggera V4, with just 500 examples to be produced of what the company describes as "its greatest masterpiece".
With numerous components crafted from carbon fibre, titanium and magnesium, the Superleggera V4 has achieved a 6.7kg weight saving over the Panigale V4. Its 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R V4 engine weighs 2.8kg less than the Panigale V4's 1103cc powerplant.
All up, the Ducati Superleggera V4 tips the scales at a paltry 159kg. That's 16kg less than a Panigale V4, while it produces a prodigious 224hp in road-legal trim and an astounding 234hp when fitted with an Akrapovic titanium racing exhaust.
That produces an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 1.41hp/kg in road trim – the highest ever for a road-legal sportsbike, says Ducati – and 1.54hp/kg in race trim. Remember when a 1:1 ratio was the holy grail for sportsbike manufacturers?
Composite crafting
Ducati says the load bearing structure of the Superleggera V4 – the chassis, subframe, swingarm and wheels – is entirely composed of composite materials. The swingarm has been lengthened for enhanced on-track performance, resulting in "unparalleled deceleration" plus faster tip-in and sharper corner exits.
The carbon fibre fairing features a Desmosedici GP19-inspired livery while the 'biplane' aerofoils, which draw their inspiration from Ducati's 2016 MotoGP bike, produce downforce of 50kg at 270km/h – 20kg more than the MY20 Ducati Panigale V4 and V4 R.
The bike has three regular ride modes – Race A, Race B and Sports – along with five additional modes with customisable settings, while the upgraded Lap Timer records finish line and split times for five circuits: Laguna Seca, Mugello, Jerez, Sepang and Losail.
Naturally the bike has Ducati's latest electronics calibrations across its various rider assistance systems, along with a bi-directional quick-shifter.
A special calibration for the race exhaust gives riders access to a RaceGP display, a direct offshoot from the Desmosedici GP20's instrument panel.
A lighter Öhlins suspension package feature a titanium monoshock spring and GP-derived valves, while the Brembo Stylema R front brake calipers have been produced exclusively for this model.
Related reading:
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2019 EICMA: 2020 Ducati updates
Deliveries from June 2020
Delivery of the Ducati Superleggera V4 will commence in June 2020, with all 500 examples to be built before the end of the year. Ducati says it will produce no more than five units per day at its Bologna manufacturing facility, given the complexity of the machine.
Each bike will be individually numbered with a unique ID number displayed on the bike's frame, fork yoke and ignition key. A certificate of authenticity will also be provided.
Owners will also have the opportunity to purchase a unique Dainese Superleggera V4 set of leathers and an Arai carbon fibre helmet. The fortunate few will also receive an 'SBK Experience' and a 'MotoGP Experience', in which they will be invited to ride an example of Ducati's SBK and MotoGP race bikes on a race circuit, with full factory support.
Ducati has stopped short of announcing pricing for the 2020 Ducati Superleggera V4. Needless to say, if you have to ask…
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