Martin AlvaLet’s start with the crème-de-la-crème: the 2019 Panigale V4R. It is the strongest version of the already new Panigale V4 Superbike. The V4R uses a 998cc engine and serves as a homologation model for the World Superbike Championship. The numbers are stone cold: 211 hp, 112 Nm torque, with a full Akrapovic exhaust system that can boost the performance up to 234 ponies! For race use only… What we noticed first about the V4R are the carbon winglets that supposed to increase stability at top speed. According to Ducati, these winglets generate a downforce on the front wheel of 30 kg at 270 km/h.
The V4R, also known as Desmosedici Stradale R, doesn’t have the of the 1103 cm3 engine of the regulate V4, but a smaller unit measuring 998 cm3. This is achieved by a bore / stroke of 81 x 48.4 mm to meet the requirements stipulated by the WorldSBK. In addition to the enormous power, a lower weight has also been achieved compared to the V4, so that the dry weight is only 172 kg and the curb weight 193 kg. Increased efficiency of the air intake allows the V4R to turn more revs faster and the red line on the tachometer shifts to ensure improved acceleration. The result is 221 hp (162 kW) power at 15,250 rpm (EU homologation values), 2250 rpm higher than in “normal V4 with 1103 cc.
Furthermore, the list of luxury features and electronic gadgets seems to be endless: Riding Modes, Power Modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Slide Control (DSC), Engine Brake Control ( EBC) EVO, Auto tire calibration, Ducati Power Launch (DPL), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up / down EVO, Full LED lighting with Daytime Running Light (DRL), GPS module, Lap Timer EVO, PIT limiter, Ducati Data Analyzer + (DDA +), Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), Ohlins steering damper, Lithium-ion battery, Marchesini aluminium forged wheels and more.
In addition to the V4R, a Panigale V4S Corse was also introduced, which technically has the specifications of the S-model, but differs from the V4R with a special racing colour scheme.
