Once we've finished the second episode of Ducati's world premiere with the presentation of the Monster SP, we turn our attention to the following events with the new 2023 Ducati. The one on October 7, the fourth in the series, is entitled "This is Racing", which would be perfect for the launch of the new Panigale V4, which will serve as the basis for the bikes in the World Superbike Championship.
The current Ducati Panigale V4R meets the Euro4 emissions standard, which means it will no longer be available on the market after January 1st 2023. If the men from Borgo Panigale want to continue competing in the World Superbike Championship, the new Bologna model will have to meet Euro5 standards. Which is good, as a Euro5-compliant prototype was spotted in tests not far from Bologna.
From the pictures, it looks like this model is moving towards something similar to the recent V4 SP2. The carbon fibre rims, chassis and aluminium tank are identical.
In short, it's a top-of-the-range model and our comments naturally focus on the 2019 Panigale V4R, produced in a limited edition of 500 units. The selling price of the initial homologated model should not exceed 40,000€.
On this prototype, we note the presence of semi-active suspension, as on the SP2 but not as on the old V4R, and the remote control of the front brake. The brake calipers seem to be Brembo GP4, with cooling air intakes.
The Öhlins forks have black, not gold, tubes and have a black DLC finish. This model is also fitted with an Akrapovic exhaust and a different chain guard, visible at the end of the swingarm.
If this is a V4R redesign, the Desmosedici Stradale engine would be upgraded from the Panigale V4 SP2's 1,103cc to the 998cc.
The previous V4R was rated at 224bhp at 15,250rpm, and even 237bhp at 15,500rpm with the racing kit. Since then, the Borgo Panigale factory has made significant improvements to the electronic management of the Panigale series, both in terms of electronic power management and the various assistance systems (Traction Control, Engine Brake, Anti-Rotation, Launch Control, etc.).
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