Ducati Shows Off Panigale V4 R, With Potential For 240 Horsepower

[advrider]

Ducati continues to boost its V4 superbike engine for more muscle, with today’s updated version pushing the platform to just over 240 horsepower.

Today, we got our first glance at the 2023 Ducati V4 R, a machine that “adopts technical solutions previously reserved for MotoGP and Superbike.” In fresh-off-the-showroom form, that looks like 207 hp at 13,500 rpm. But when you add the race exhaust to the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine, you can boost ouput to 237 hp. Then, add a specially-designed engine oil, made by Shell to Ducati Corse specs, and you end up with max power of 240.5 hp. Madness!

This boost in brawn is thanks to a long list of internal changes: Lighter pistons with DLC coating; WSB-derived gear ratios; aggressive intake cams, with matching intake horns; and new longitudinally-drilled titanium con rods, which allow pump oil to circulate vertically through to the small end of the rod.

As you might expect, Ducati programmed in new engine management modes to handle this power—the new Full mode restricts electronic interference to only first gear. Low mode drastically restricts output, choking it down to 160 hp for public roads. Other electronic aids such as the quickshifter and traction control systems have been refined to match the updated engine, or come with new track configurations.

There are also chassis changes to help with the horsepower handling. The Ohlins fork has more travel up front, and the rear shock is stiffer. The swingarm pivot point moves higher. There are new two-plane aerodynamic winglets to keep the front end planted, and accessory add-ons like magnesium rims and carbon-fibre bodywork bring weight down, quickening handling.

We haven’t seen a price tag or arrival date for the Ducati V4 R yet, but you can find full specs and lots of other photos at the Duc website here.

 

 

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