Ducati Panigale V4 R: for 2023 sportiness reaches 16.500 rpm [PHOTO]

The new Ducati Panigale V4 R. was presented in the fourth episode of the web series Ducati World Premiere 2023. A further example of power and innovation from the Borgo Panigale brand, with notable technological solutions that reduce the margin between this road sports car and the World Superbike competition models.

Evocative design and sporty features

Seen from the outside, you immediately notice it sports characterization which takes inspiration from MotoGP and includes some white number plates on which the number stands out "1". In the front area there are carbon wings and, for the first time, this example will be made in a numbered series with a progressive number visible, together with the name of the model, on the aluminum steering head machined from solid.
The same superstructures have evolved, given the introduction of a brushed aluminum tank with an increased capacity reaching i 17 liters. The profile offers easier support for arms and legs when cornering, as well as when braking. There is also a flatter saddle, contained in the foam and with a different covering, which in addition to supporting greater freedom of longitudinal movement supports the rider's stability.
Interventions are also reported on aero package to amplify efficiency. As mentioned, some new ones are visible two-element wings, a main one in addition to the flap, which favor the same aerodynamic load while being more compact and thinner, by 40% and 50% respectively.
Thinking about better cooling of the engine, stabilizing performance when riding on the track, we intervened on the configuration of the extractors in the lower part of the fairing, in line with the World Superbike regulations. In the lower area, on the left side, an air intake has also been created to cool the Ducati Quick Shift sensor.

Furthermore, to further intensify its effectiveness for use on the track, a vast overview of solutions is highlighted Ducati Performance associatible as a full Akrapovič titanium exhaust system with double silencer located under the saddle, which refines the already low weight/power ratio of the new Panigale V4 R with a saving of 5 kg compared to the standard system and with an increase in power that reaches 237 horsepower. The exhaust is equipped with dedicated mapping with the DTC, DWC, DPL and DSC parameters, adapted to the new performance level of the model.
Further weight reduction is possible by adopting magnesium rims, in this case a further 0,7 kg is saved. A value reduced by 10% compared to original equipment forged wheels, further intensifying dynamism.
They are also noted carbon fiber components for the superstructures, ranging from protections for the frame, the swingarm, the pinion and the engine crankcase, passing through other details such as the conveyors for cooling the front brakes which represent another factor for improving performance on the track with more efficient braking and constant, up to a rear mudguard.
Adjustable aluminum rider footrests are also available, developed by Ducati Corse in collaboration with Rizoma. Articulated brake and gear pedals are highlighted to minimize the risk of breakage due to a possible slip and they use the standard DQS, configured as a traditional gearbox or as a reverse/racing gearbox.
It also marks a Pit Stop accessory package with tire warmers and garage stands to use during track sessions. In the case of Slick or Rain tires it is possible to select the DTC EVO 3 software, which adopts specific calibrations of the electronic controls, as indicated.

Technical and technological solutions

The chassis always rests on a frame Front Frame with single-sided aluminum swingarm. Yes it can manage the height of the rear swingarm pivot on four positions with steps of 2 millimetres.
In order to achieve greater dynamism, the chassis also follows the evolution undertaken with the 2022 models. Panigale V4 e Panigale V4 S, while preserving the entirely mechanical adjustment for the suspensions. At the front, the travel of the Öhlins NPX25/30 pressurized fork has increased by 5 mm, compared to the previous Panigale V4 R. This aspect, given the presence of an Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber whose wheelbase reaches 316 mm (from 312 mm) and a of the swingarm pin on the +1 position as standard, increases the height of the rear area by 20 mm. The result is a higher center of gravity and superior agility in the various driving phases.
The introduction of a less rigid shock absorber spring, going from 105 N/mm to 80 N/mm, as well as a lower ground load in the frontal area linked to a lengthening of the fork travel, together with an improvement in ability to interpret the road surface, intensifies load transfers based on greater negative suspension travel, making cornering more solid according to indications. Furthermore, the greater travel of the fork allows the front wheel to maintain contact with the asphalt, while considering greater load transfers during acceleration towards the area behind; therefore the position of the swingarm pin reinforces the anti-squat effect as a function of stability, precision and maintenance of the trajectory when exiting corners.
Finally, to make calibration easier and quicker, the rear shock absorber is equipped with a hydraulic adjuster for preload.

Le electronic evolutions already present on the Panigale V4 2022 and 2023 make the new Panigale V4 R highly efficient on the track, considering the refinements to the DTC and the Ride By Wire system, the adoption of the Engine Brake Control EVO 2, the new strategy for DQS and the update of the cooling fan control, the expansion and update of Power Modes, the new visualization “Track Evo” on the instrumentation and maps linked to the engine with calibration dedicated to each ratio.
The operating parameters can be seen through the new graphics of the instrumentation, which are different thanks to a rearrangement of the functions of the warning lights external to the screen. Also highlighted is the evolved interface through the inclusion of a new Info Mode, developed by MotoGP riders and called “Track Evo”, added to the already known ones “Road” e “Tracks”.
Always thinking about speed and its use on the track, a Power Mode logic has been introduced, already successfully implemented on the Panigale V4 and V4 S, with specific calibrations linked to the Desmosedici Stradale R engine.
There are four strategies: Full, High, Medium e low. Those called Full and Low are newly configured, whereas those called High and Medium are revised. Power Mode Full allows the engine to deliver maximum potential without electronic interventions, except for first gear. For the Medium and High Power Modes, a new Ride by Wire map management system is provided with targeted calibration for each of the six gears, obtaining an optimized thrust at each opening of the throttle. Finally, the Power Mode Low is designed for driving on the road or for low-grip surfaces and the maximum power is limited to 160 horsepower with a smooth response in acceleration.
Speaking of precision and stability, giving the rider the opportunity to best define the electronic configuration of the engine on each track, the Panigale V4 R is also equipped with the Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO 2 solution. electronic management of the engine braking with a different calibration ratio by ratio on each of the three levels provided. The strategy was designed to optimize the intensity of the engine braking based on the load in the rear area.  

There is also a new strategy for Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) with improved fluidity in switching between gears at every degree of throttle opening, both when it is partialized and when it is fully open, managing the two different situations differently as indicated.
In gear shifts with partial throttle, the strategy is active both through an injection cut of the previous strategy and with an advance reduction, making the action more fluid in road use with the absence of switching the engine off and on again, as highlighted.
While with wide open throttle, when used on the track, the DQS strategy is refined with an evolution of the torque return phase which guarantees greater stability and more homogeneous thrust.
Together with these interventions, we also note the update of the cooling fan control strategy, in order to offer better management of operating temperatures while also mitigating the accumulation of heat after intense sessions on the track. This strategy also promises greater thermal comfort already in road use, as indicated.
For enthusiasts who want to use the new one Panigale V4 R furthermore, specific Ducati Performance DTC EVO 3 software for slick-rain tires has been developed only on the track, proposed as an accessory and which makes the motorbike not approved for circulation on roads open to traffic. A solution that allows you to activate the flashing operation of the rear position light, as per the racing regulations in case of rain. Also noteworthy is the replacement of the Street Riding Mode with a Rain mode, specifically designed for use in wet conditions.
In order to improve the rider's feeling when opening and managing the throttle, there is also a new accelerator control that is 50% more compact with radial and axial play reduced to a minimum, as well as virtually no initial free stroke. And as on the racing models, there is a Pit Limiter to limit the speed in the pit lane of a circuit.

Engine and power

The bike is powered by a new engine Desmosedici Stradale R da 998 cc. Sophisticated technical solutions taken from the world of competitions are highlighted, for example, for the first time on a road model, “gun drilled” titanium connecting rods drilled longitudinally along the stem. A hole with a diameter of 1,6 mm. A system that allows the passage of oil from the head to the small end of the connecting rod, an improvement in the lubrication of the piston pin and in favor of reliability in extreme use.
The pistons are equipped with a mantle characterized by DLC surface treatment (Diamond Like Carbon) which lowers the friction between the piston and the liner, a leading factor in MotoGP competitions and also in Formula 1, always applied for the first time on a road engine. The pistons are also equipped with a new geometry that lightens them by 5 grams, corresponding to 2% of their weight, mitigating inertia forces and always with positive effects on reliability.
Other interventions are also highlighted, such as a bolder intake cam profile, with greater lift (1 mm) and coordinated with new variable-length horns, reduced by 5 mm in the short configuration. A modification that improves breathing at high rpm and thus raises maximum power with the adoption of a racing exhaust.
Again to improve performance on the track, the same gear ratio used by racing bikes in the Superbike World Championship is present, as happened on the 4 Panigale V2022 S, with the first ratio being lengthened by 11,6%), the second ratio 5,6% and a sixth of 1,8% compared to the previous example. First gear becomes more usable when driving on circuits, benefiting from greater engine braking when braking and more consistent acceleration when exiting. The smaller gap between first and second gear allows the Ducati Quick Shift to work more efficiently.

The Desmosedici Stradale R engine in its 2023 configuration is also equipped with a new dry clutch deriving from the development of the version used in the Superbike world championship by the official Ducati team. The diameter and axial length of the clutch are smaller, a reduction of 24 mm, furthermore the weight has decreased by approximately 800 grams, as specified.
This heart can reach a maximum rotation speed di 16.500 rpm in sixth gear, reaching 16.000 rpm in the remaining gears. The maximum power is 218 horses at 15.500 rpm in the typology Euro 5. Significant data in the panorama of sports cars with the same engine capacity.
Despite the improvements, the performance is slightly limited compared to the predecessor, due to the limitation caused by the exhaust system compliant with Euro 5 approval. However, all the potential can be expressed on the track with the use of a racing exhaust, reaching quote 237 horses, that is, three more than the previous example.
An oil developed by Shell in collaboration with Ducati Corse has also been developed in the development phase, the timing and availability of which may vary depending on the country. This is a new high performance oil that promises a 10% reduction in mechanical friction and leads to an increase of another 3,5 horsepower, which becomes 4,5 horsepower at the limiter. The oil formulation is based on the use of racing-type additives, specific for high-rpm engines with dry clutch. Precisely the latter, as in the engines for MotoGP and the SBK series, allows the use of additives, which would make torque transmission in the wet clutch difficult, as reported. These chemical elements are added to the base oil in specific quantities and percentages to ensure the right balance between protection and expressed power. With the racing exhaust and dedicated oil the maximum power can reach a peak of 240,5 horses. An important value in the motorcycle scene.

Photos: Ducati