First unveiled in February this year, the Ducati Superleggera V4 is the most powerful production bike that has ever roll out of Borgo Panigale. Only 500 units are built and one has just found its way to our shores.
The #210/500 model was presented to its owner, Datuk Nazir Hussin Akhtar Husin, who paid a handsome RM888,000 for the superbike. An avid bike enthusiast, Datuk Nazir also owns a Panigale V4 R and a V4 S.
Befitting its ‘Super Light’ moniker, the Superleggera V4 is the only street-legal motorcycle to use composite material for the construction of its frame, subframe, swingarm and wheels. This, combined with other weight loss regimes, results in a dry weight of just 159 kg, 16 kg less than the Panigale V4.
The Superleggera V4 boasts 224 hp and 118 Nm of torque, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 1.41 hp/kg. A Racing kit adds another 10 hp and shaves off a further 6.8 kg from its weight. This in turn increases the power-to-weight ratio to a mind-bending 1.54 hp/kg.
Completing the package are items such as Ohlins suspension system, Brembo brakes with Stylema R calipers, Traction Control, Quickshifter and Akrapovic racing exhaust system.
PRESS RELEASE
Ducati Malaysia today unveiled the superlative Superleggera V4 in Malaysia – priced at RM888,000 – at its flagship Petaling Jaya dealership. The occasion was made even more special as the first ever Superleggera V4 was delivered to its esteemed owner – Datuk Nazir Hussin Akhtar Husin. As it stands, he is the only gentleman in Malaysia to own the incredible creation from Borgo, Panigale. Along with his latest acquisition, he also owns a Ducati Panigale V4 R, Ducati 1199 Panigale V4 S and is an avid motorcycle enthusiast.
The term Superleggera means “Super Light” and has been used by Ducati in past products that have already surpassed many technical and performance barriers. The Superleggera V4 is the world’s only street-legal motorcycle with the entire load-bearing structure of the chassis (frame, subframe, swingarm and wheels) made from composite material, achieving a 6.7 kg reduction in weight thanks to these components. To ensure the highest quality and safety standards, these components are 100% tested using the most sophisticated techniques borrowed from the aerospace industry, such as thermography, ultrasound inspections and tomography.
Thanks to an extensive use of carbon fibre, titanium and parts machined from solid aluminium components, the Superleggera V4 has a dry weight of just 159 kg, 16 kg less than the Panigale V4, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 1.41 hp /kg (a record-breaking figure for a road legal sports bike). Mounting the Racing kit modifies the bike to its track configuration, boosting power to 234 hp while also dropping the weight to 152.2 kg and thereby raising the power/weight ratio to 1.54 hp /kg.
Other equipment items unique to the Superleggera V4 include a lightened Öhlins suspension system with pressurised fork and a Brembo braking system with Stylema® R callipers. These chassis components are united with the latest generation electronics package that includes EVO 2 strategies for the DTC and DQS up/down.
The exclusivity of the materials and technical solutions is reflected in the limited number of bikes which will ever be produced: just 500, all individually numbered and provided with a certificate of authenticity. The bike ID number (210/500), which matches the VIN, is displayed on the frame, fork yoke and ignition key.
Available only on the Superleggera V4 is also a special engine calibration for the Akrapovič racing exhaust. This gives riders access to a RaceGP display mode intended exclusively for track use which is a direct offshoot of the instrument panel on the Desmosedici GP 20.
With the Superleggera V4, Ducati pushes the limits further than ever. The technical expertise and knowledge developed and continuously evolved in MotoGP is made available to enthusiasts of engineering and performance on two wheels.
Marco Biondi, Vice President Sales & Marketing of Ducati Asia Pacific: “The Superleggera V4 is one of the most exclusive motorcycles in the world, with only 500 units being produced. Redefining the definition of the term “superbike”, it offers unmatched technology in a limited edition targeting the true connoisseur. We are very proud to deliver the first Superleggera in Malaysia, a market with an immense love for Ducati and its products.”
Dato’ Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan, Group Chief Executive Officer, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings “We are extremely happy to make the dreams of our passionate customer a reality by being able to provide the very exclusive Superleggera V4 in Malaysia. The Superleggera V4 is not just a bike; it is the pinnacle of Ducati’s expertise and knowledge of materials gained through racing. We are sure that our customer will enjoy this product and the sensations it will provide during every ride both on the road as well as on track.”