The Ducati 1199 Panigale unveiled at the Motor Show

It appeared for the first time at the Milan Motorcycle Show from 10 to 13 November. But it was in the recent edition of Bologna Motor Show that the new generation of Ducati Superbikes has been officially presented. The CEO of the Bolognese company, Gabriele Del Torchio, extolled the characteristics of the 1199 Panigale that is, the most powerful production twin-cylinder that has ever existed, calling it “the progenitor of a new generation".

The two-wheeler is available in three versions 1199 Panigale, 1199 Panigale S and 1199 Panigale S Tricolore. 195 HP “Superquadro” L-shaped engine for 164 kg of dry weight on a carbon monocoque frame, the red Emilian is equipped with the “Riding Mode”, the latest generation sports ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Electronic Suspension, the Ducati Quick-Shift gearbox, the new sports-derived Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Ride-by-Wire. The price? Between 19.190 euros for the basic version to 28.000 euros for the complete one.

What is the state of health of the Borgo Panigale company? “The best year in our history is about to end – Del Torchio points out – thanks to the vocation for export. We will close with a turnover of around 500 million and the forecasts for 2012 are interesting, thanks to this bike and other innovations that will be presented next year: we expect a new year of growth”. In 2011, the Rossa's production will cross the threshold of 40.000 specimens for a turnover"just under 500 million euros”. It seems significant that, according to him, the crisis is hitting the Italian market above all: "80% of our motorcycles go abroad. We will continue to grow but a country's economy cannot ignore the domestic market".

That the Ducati 1199 Panigale had impressed since the day of its first appearance had been demonstrated by the competition organized by Motociclismo magazine at the Eicma in Milan: the twin-cylinder had been considered the most desired of the entire salon.