In the fifth and penultimate episode of the Ducati World Premiere 2022, the Italians from Bologna have unveiled a new Panigale V4. The new Panigale V4 has been improved in every aspect, according to Ducati: aerodynamics, ergonomics, engine, chassis and electronics.
“With the 2022 version, the Panigale V4 project completes the most significant evolution since its birth. The improvements affect all areas: aerodynamics, ergonomics, engine, chassis and electronics. The result is an even faster motorcycle on the track and at the same time more intuitive and easier for a wide range of riders. In short, it offers great excitement to both pro drivers and amateurs.”
Strong words from Ducati, which must have been confirmed during a special test at the Vallelunga circuit in Italy, where the 2021 and 2022 versions of the Panigale V4 S, both equipped with Pirelli SC1 rubber, by 2 testers and MotoGP test rider Michele Pirro were compared with each other.
At the end of the day, the first tester on his best lap on the new Panigale V4 S 2022 had been 0.9 seconds faster than the 2021 version, with the second tester the difference was 1.2 seconds in favor of the 2022 model.
Michele Pirro had been half a second faster, his fastest lap being just three seconds off his best time in Race 1 of the Italian Superbike Championship at Vallelunga, a race time set by the much faster SCX developed for the Superpole Sprint race.
The first new feature of the new Panigale V4 2022 version has to do with aerodynamics. Ducati engineers have now integrated more compact and thinner twin-profile design winglets with increased efficiency: this update guarantees the same vertical load, up to 37 kg at 300 km/h. Furthermore, the lower part of the fairing features redesigned exhaust vents to improve the cooling system and, as a result, the performance of the engine, especially during track days.
In terms of ergonomics, Ducati has given the seat a flatter shape and a different coating, so that you have more support when braking and to make the movement of the body easier. In addition, the tank at the rear has also been reshaped, for a better contact surface when braking.
According to Ducati, thanks to the new ergonomics, as a rider you are now completely at one with the bike, which means that riding in general should be more comfortable. Ducati claims that even the contact area of the arms when leaning next to the bike when cornering has been improved.
The new engine block has been modernized in the lubrication system and is coupled to a new
oil pump that reduces power consumption. The larger diameter of the muffler system makes it possible to reduce the exhaust gas back pressure and thereby increase engine performance.
Thanks to these interventions and a new specific mapping, the Desmosedici Stradale – Euro 5 standard approved – delivers 215.5 hp at 13,000 rpm, which is an increase of 1.5 hp over the previous version. The engine delivers a torque of 123.6 Nm at 9,500 rpm, 80% of the maximum torque is already available from 6,000 rpm. With a newly developed Akra race exhaust, those values come to 228 hp and 131 Nm.
In addition to the adjustments that Ducati has made to the combustion process, the gearbox has also been completely renewed and the transmission ratio of the first, second and sixth gears has been increased. According to Ducati, the box is therefore more “race-oriented”, more suitable for use on the track. The difference? 1st gear has been lengthened by 11.6%, 2nd by 5.6% and 6th by 1.8%.
As for electronics, Ducati has implemented new Power Modes logic, now offering you a choice of 4 options: Full, High, Medium and Low. Full and Low are completely redesigned, the High and Medium configurations only use a new strategy. According to Ducati, the Power Mode Full is the sportiest ever applied to a Panigale V4.
The S version is equipped with the latest semi-active Öhlins suspension: NPX 25/30 at the front and TTX36 at the rear. The fork now has 125mm of travel (+5mm) and slightly softer springs (from 10 N/mm to 9.5 N/mm), which means that bumps should be absorbed better. The Öhlins rear shock and steering damper have an event-based control system, which allows you to adapt the suspension to different situations (braking, bend and acceleration).
In addition, the pivot point of the single-sided aluminum swingarm is 4mm higher than that of the 2021 version. This particular technical choice increases the anti-squat action, i.e. the reduction of the lowering of the rear end, making the motorcycle more stable when accelerating.
The Panigale V4 and Panigale V4 S will be available at the official Ducati dealers from the beginning of 2022 in the color “Ducati Red”. those prices are 24,390 Euro for the Pani V4 and 30,190 Euro for the Pani V4S.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.