Ducati V Twin affordable sportbike under works, launch expected by 2025
Ducati has confirmed that the Superquadro V-twin engine, a hallmark of its lineup since the debut of the 1199 Panigale in 2012, will be phased out by 2025. The renowned high-performance engine, currently featured in the Panigale V2 and the Streetfighter V2, is being retired, with a limited run of 555 units marking the final chapter for the Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition. In its place, Ducati is preparing to launch a new, more affordable sportbike, potentially merging the roles of the Panigale V2 and the SuperSport 950.
Recent documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provide substantial evidence of the forthcoming model, referred to as “2102 Project.” The documents include VIN details that outline the technical specifications of this new addition to Ducati’s lineup.
The VIN details for the 2102 Project reveal several key aspects. The model is classified under Ducati’s “Superbike street bike” category, signified by the letter “H” in the VIN sequence. This designation places the new model alongside the Panigale V2, distinguishing it from other Ducati categories such as the Panigale V4s, Multistradas, and SuperSports.
Notably, the new bike will feature a “T” in the eighth position of the VIN, indicating an engine power output between 111 HP and 122 HP. This suggests the use of the 937cc Testastretta 11° engine, currently employed in several Ducati models, including the SuperSport 950, where it produces around 114 HP.
The documentation hints that the new model will be manufactured in both Bologna, Italy and Thailand, indicated by the presence of “B” and “T” in the VIN’s 11th character. This dual manufacturing approach could signify Ducati’s strategy to make the new sportbike more accessible globally.
The 2102 Project appears to align with Ducati’s broader strategy to offer a sportbike that bridges the gap between the high-end Panigale V2 and the more street-oriented SuperSport 950. This new model is expected to deliver a sportier experience than the SuperSport while being more financially accessible than the Panigale V2. The potential departure of the Superquadro engine also raises questions about the future of the Streetfighter V2, suggesting the possibility of a new model to fill the space between the Monster and Hypermotard 950.
Ducati is likely to unveil the 2102 Project, along with other new models, in a series of events towards the end of 2024, positioning them for the 2025 model year.
