2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale
Finally, the first official images of the 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale are here. Attached above are some first-look pics released by Ducati of the superbike that was unveiled at the EICMA in Milan Monday.
And with these much-anticipated photos arrived additional specs on the new Ducati superbike, which will be available as an 1199 Panigale, 1199 Panigale S and 1199 Panigale S Tricolore.
The S model will feature forged wheels, electronically adjustable Ohlins suspension, LED headlights, and carbon fiber front fender. The limited production S Tricolore adds Tricolore paint scheme, Termignoni exhaust, switchable ABS braking system, and data acquisition with GPS integration.
Ducati says the the superbike, which arrive in showroom floors early 2012, weighs an incredibly light 361.5 lbs., and its Superquadro L-Twin Desmo pushes out 195 horsepower.
Ducati says: “The highest production motorcycle power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios in the world are fitting trophies for the incredible results that Ducati have achieved. Bred for the track and trained for the road, the new 1199 Panigale is a true revolution of the species destined to influence the entire sportbike environment.”
And of course, the 1199 Panigale is loaded with electronic technology, including tthe latest-generation sports ABS system, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES), Ducati Quick-Shift (DQS), Ducati’s new race-derived Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Ride-by-Wire (RbW), which are now all “programmed into seamless, electronic rider assistance.”
Ducati says “Even the full color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display changes to suit the rider’s environment.”
Speaking at the unveiling was Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding. He brought some additional insight into Ducati’s new 1199 Panigale.
Gabriele Del Torchio says: “Without doubt, this has been the most ambitious project in Ducati’s history and underlines our engineering excellence and ‘product emotion’, an aspect of our brand which, in such a competitive market place, has become more important than ever. This motorcycle represents pure Italian style, the reference point for performance and a safety-enhanced, confidence-inspiring experience for our customers on road and track.
“We are particularly proud to have created a special ‘Tricolore’ version of this new motorcycle, in the red, white and green of Italy. What better occasion to celebrate the 150th anniversary of our national flag and underline our role and responsibility as ambassadors of the title ‘made in Italy’, than with a product of such style and technical excellence.”
Following Del Torchio’s announcement, Ducati Motor Holding General Manager, Claudio Domenicali, proceeded to release the details of the 2012 models with particular focus on the 1199 Panigale.
Claudio Domenicali says: “Throughout our long and successful twin-cylinder history of racing, Ducati has never built a sportbike as advanced as the 1199 Panigale.
“We are moving into a new generation with a ‘revolution’ of the species that establishes new limits for the category. Its Desmodromic heart, the new Superquadro engine, is the most powerful twin-cylinder ever produced and represents the base of a new concept of frame and engine integration.
“This concept enables the 1199 Panigale a dry weight of just 164kg and gives it a riding sensation that is closer than ever to a full race bike. With revised ergonomics, full Ride-by-Wire engine management and enhanced systems of ABS and traction control, we have controlled the beast within the 1199 Panigale so that the full emotion of this motorcycle can be enjoyed easily and safely.”
Stay clicked to UltimateMotorCycling.com for further images, specs and a preview of the 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale.