Ducati has just unveiled the 2015 Panigale which gets a boost in displacement and is called the Panigale 1299. The flagship Ducati gets a host of electronics as well.
Ducati has just unveiled the updated Panigale for 2015 and the model not only gets new electronics but also a new powertrain, producing 10 more HP now. Ducati is offering three variants of the Panigale 1299 and all get the same output. The variants (Standard, S and R) get a range of electronics as standard, including Bosch MSC (Motorcycle Cornering System) and DQS which translates to Ducati Quick Shift for clutch-less shifting both up and down. While the standard and S variants of the Panigale get the 1295cc engine, the R model continues with the 1198cc unit to comply with WSBK norms.
The engine is bigger in displacement thanks to the increase in bore. The Superquadro, L-Twin unit now produces 205 HP at 10,5000 RPM and 144.6 Nm at 8750 RPM. The Panigale 1299’s wet weight is just 190.5 kgs so the power to weight ratio is without doubt stellar. Among other electronic aides, there is Ducati Wheel Control (DWC), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) and all of them are automatically calibrated should one change the final drive or tyres of the motorcycle. The Ducati Panigale 1299 gets three ride mode like before – Race, Sport and Wet.
The Ducati Panigale 1299 uses an aluminium monocoque chassis and the Italian automaker has made revisions to the underpinnings for improved traction and better dynamics. The major difference between the standard Panigale 1299 and the S variant is the suspension, the latter getting fully adjustable electronic suspension. The R version is lighter and more aggressive using a full Akrapovic exhaust system. Ducati doesn’t have official presence in India but does plan to enter the country soon, the Panigale 1299 is expected to go on sale in our country next year.
