Ducati close 2012 with positive financial report and 2013 range shown in Milan Record 2012 year anticipated. World preview of the new Ducati Hypermotard and Hyperstrada. Exciting new ‘R’ version of 1199 Panigale Superbike unveiled. Special touring-oriented Diavel Strada revealed. Official 2013 plans released for MotoGP and World Superbike. Rho (Milan), 12 November 2012 Following the tradition of presenting its new motorcycles at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan, Ducati has now officially unveiled its complete 2013 range. The new and innovative models are a product of the genius and creativity of Ducati’s talented designers and engineers, and are set to capture thepublic’s attention at the EICMA 2012 event. The 77th edition of Milan’s International Motorcycle Show will pack the impressive Rho International Fair complex from 15-18 November. The presentation of the 2013 Ducati range took place at the Milano-Rho Fair Auditorium and provided an opportunity for the CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, Gabriele Del Torchio, to address the capacity audience. During the Press Conference, he explained the international market situation and the business success achieved by the Bologna-based manufacturer during 2012. Despite the global market situation and economic difficulties, Ducati’s growth trend has continued, both in terms of market share and of production and sale volumes. This confirms the company’s secure position, underlined with the recent acquisition by the Audi Group, which subsequently further enhanced Ducati’s structure and organisation, enabling it to face the future with a positive and confident attitude. “Since 2007, we have only seen “red” on the bodywork of our bikes,” said Gabriele Del Torchio, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding during the press conference. “Ducati’s record turnover of 2011 looks set to increase 20% further by the close of 2012 with over 44,000 motorcycles registered. Our market share has also grown from 2.4% in 2006 to 5.2% in 2012, an equivalent of over 10% share in what we call the ‘Ducati Relevant Market’. Ducati has become even more global today, with approximately 9 motorcycles out of every 10 produced in our Borgo Panigale factory in Bologna destined for foreign markets. The USA is currently our top market, achieving a consistent two-figure growth, while other geographical areas, such as the Far East and Latin America where we are investing major resources and reaping promising results, are still yet to reach their full potential. “With the arrival of the new shareholders, Ducati is in stronger hands than ever, and being part of the Audi Group will definitely contribute to Ducati’s growth and expansion. This acquisition acknowledges the value of everyone who works in our company, the value of the Ducati brand, and of its past achievements. “EICMA is the best occasion to show our new models and I am particularly proud to present the new Hypermotard in addition to the rest our 2013 range. The excellence of our ’emotional appeal’, increasingly important in today’s competitive environment, is cleverly combined with our unmistakeable all-Italian style, and the advanced technology used in our new 2013 range confirms that Ducati is, and will continue to be, a product-oriented company with development and innovation representing the milestones of our growth strategy.” The Ducati Press Conference for the launch of the 2013 model range also provided an ideal occasion to present Ducati’s official racing program for 2013. Four Ducati riders have already been confirmed in MotoGP with Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso for the factory Ducati Team and Ben Spies and Andrea Iannone for the satellite team. For World Superbike, the new Team Ducati Alstare was officially announced and, coordinated by the Belgian organisation managed by Francis Batta, will field Carlos Checa and Ayrton Badovini aboard the new 1199 Panigale. The brand ambassador and guest of honour at the Conference was Daniele Molmenti, Gold Medallist at the London Olympic Games in the K1 Canoe Slalom and a passionate “Ducatista”. While on the podium in London earlier this year, the Olympic medal winner explained that he competes in a red canoe to underline his love for Ducati motorcycles. Molmenti greatly appreciated the chance to preview the 2013 models and was particularly interested in the new Superbike 1199 Panigale R, a masterpiece of applied technology and pure performance. Claudio Domenicali, General Manager of Ducati Motor Holding, then took to the stage to explain the details and features of the 2013 Ducati models. He focused in particular on the long-awaited new generation Hypermotard family, and underlined the major, strategic role of the 1199 Panigale supersport model and its world debut with the prestigious R version. “Here at EICMA 2012 we present one totally new model and a series of significantly updated models in line with our strategic plan,” Said General Manager, Claudio Domenicali at the Press Conference. “The Hypermotard is completely new. Technologically enhanced and presented in standard and SP versions, it has a brand new 4-valve per cylinder, liquid-cooled, Testastretta 11° engine, equipped also with our new secondary air system. The new motorcycle maintains the spirit of the original Ducati Hypermotard, but widens its accessibility with a larger fuel tank and revised ergonomics. We also present the Hyperstrada, a model equipped with a series of features that extend the motorcycle’s use into the world of touring, while maintaining the fun-to-ride character typical of a supermotard. “With our passion for racing and sport bikes, we just had to produce an ‘R’ version of the 1199 Panigale. The ‘R’ title represents Ducati’s maximum expression of technology. In this case, connecting rods in titanium in addition to many other lightweight components and a race kit that represents a package ideal from which to develop the Superbike version, which will race next year. We have also decided to extend the Diavel range with the introduction of the Diavel Strada. Equipped with luggage, large screen and revised, more upright riding position, the Diavel is now ready also to entertain riders on longer rides outside the city.” 2013 Ducati Hypermotard family As expected, the focus of attention at the presentation was on the new generation of the Hypermotard family. It takes the innovation and excitement of the original concept and enhances it even further with three incredible new models: The thrilling Hypermotard, Hypermotard SP and the introduction of a stylish and accessible mid-range tourer with everyday practicality The Hyperstrada. The new range combines Ducati’s latest technologies with outstanding Italian design and engineering to write the latest chapter in the Hypermotard story. The Hypermotard and Hypermotard SPdeliver a thrilling and fun filled experience, whether on the daily commuteor ripping-up the track asphalt, while the Hyperstrada awaits long distanceadventure, enabling practical, everyday motorcycling in absolute Ducati style. Brand new from the ground up, the models introduce the new 110hp Ducati 821cc Testastretta 11° engine in a new Trellis frame equipped with top-of-the range chassis components. The Hypermotard and Hypermotard SP use sharp and sleek styling to maintain that essential Supermotard look, while the Hyperstrada is factory-accessorised with full touring-oriented specification. Combining these two worlds of performance with excellent ergonomics and the Ducati Safety Pack of latest generation 3-level ABS, 8-level Ducati Traction Control and integrated Riding Modes, the new models now gain a relevance that makes perfect sense in modern motorcycling. The new range takes the Hypermotard concept into the future with refined design and user-friendly technologies that will enhance its enjoyment to a wider range of riders. Ducati Superbike 1199 Panigale R The 2013 Ducati Superbike family line-up is now completed with the highly-anticipated arrival of the 1199 Panigale R, the absolute flagship of the range and the machine specially developed with enhanced technical specification by Ducati Corse for World Superbike homologation. The exciting “R” model stands alongside the 1199 Panigale and 1199 Panigale S in the new-for-2013 arctic white colour scheme and signature Ducati red, in addition to the exclusive 1199 Panigale S Tricolore. The “R” takes everything that the “S” model is currently equipped with and applies a list of enhancements to the technical specification that enable the model to achieve even greater targets. Titanium con-rods, which save an overall 0.63kg (1.38lb), a 0.7kg (1.54lb) lighter crankshaft flywheel, DLC-coated rocker-arms and revised engine mapping now enhance the Superquadro engine’s crank acceleration and allow it to rev 500 rpm higher to a 12,000rpm limit, an incredible engineering achievement for 112mm pistons. The model also features a new 4-point adjustable swingarm pivot, designed to enable riders a personalised and precise set-up and a race kit consisting of high-penetration racing screen, fairing mirror caps in machined alloy and a full Termignoni exhaust system with dedicated ECU mapping (for track use only). The system provides an impressive power increase of 3% at the top of the rev-range and 15% in the mid-range. Additional enhancements to the machine include lightweight carbon fibre rear hugger, rear suspension guard, heels guards, ignition switch surround and top fairing inner panels and carbon fibre protectors for the single-sided swingarm and clutch cover. These lightweight chassis and engine components enable the “R” version a dry weight of just 165kg (363.7lb), even with an ABS braking system fitted as standard equipment. This top-of-the-range model is also fitted with a special race-style seat fabric for added “feel” and equipped with the GPS-enhanced Ducati Data Acquisition system, for automatic lap times and circuit map-linked data. The 1199 Panigale R is dressed in Ducati red with defining white race features, sporting a mix of red and brushed aluminium on the fuel tank with lightweight forged wheels by Marchesini in black. 2013 Ducati Diavel Strada A surprise entry for the Diavel family comes in the form of the new Diavel Strada. The sophisticated new model, specifically designed for longer journeys, has been factory-accessorised with touring-friendly components that enable all-day riding comfort for both rider and passenger. Further enhanced with touring comfort and functionality, the carefully designed screen blends effortlessly into the Diavel’s sleek lines to provide improved wind protection, and the rider’s posture is further improved for long-distance with higher handlebars swept back towards the rider and larger, comfort-enhancing seats with revised foam cushioning. The addition of heated grips further underlines the attention given to rider-friendly detail and the higher-output generator that powers them also provides for two handy auxiliary power outlets intended for heated clothing or navigation accessories. The passenger’s ride has also been improved with a ride-relaxing back-rest and confidence-inspiring grab-rails. The Diavel’s desire for touring practicality has been elegantly satisfied with stylishly shaped side luggage, fitted as standard equipment with revised passenger footpegs and rear lighting. The Diavel Strada arrives in an elegant race titanium colour scheme with racing black frame and black wheels and side luggage. In addition to their 2013 models, Ducati also took the occassion of the EICMA International Motorcycle Show to present its brand new Accessories and Apparel collections. The show will open to the public 15-18 November with the Ducati stand is situated at G-64 in hall 18. Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A An Audi Group Company Founded in 1926, Ducati has been producing sport-inspired motorcycles since 1946. Their motorcycles are characterised by “Desmodromic” performance engines, innovative design and avant-garde technology. Covering several market segments, Ducati’s range of motorcycles are divided into model families which include: Diavel, Hypermotard, Monster, Multistrada, Streetfighter and Superbike. These authentic icons of “made in Italy” are sold in over 80 countries around the world, with concentration on the European, North-American and Asia Pacific markets. Ducati competes in both the World Superbike Championship and, with an official team, the World MotoGP Championship. In Superbike Ducati has won 17 Manufacturers’ titles and 14 Riders’ titles and in 2011 passed the historic milestone of 300 race victories. Ducati have participated in MotoGP since 2003, and took both the Manufacturers’ and Riders’ titles in 2007. More, from another press release issued by Ducati: 2013 DUCATI SUPERBIKE The 2013 Ducati Superbike family line-up is now completed with the highly-anticipated arrival of the 1199 Panigale R, the absolute flagship of the range and the machine specially developed with enhanced technical specification by Ducati Corse for World Superbike homologation. The exciting “R” model stands alongside the 1199 Panigale and 1199 Panigale S in the new-for-2013 arctic white colour scheme and signature Ducati red, in addition to the exclusive 1199 Panigale S Tricolore. All 2013 1199 models are updated with latest generation engine management mapping and Ride-by-Wire calibration, further enhancing the Ducati Superbike riding experience. The highly successful 848EVO is available in the traditional colours of Ducati red* with red frame and black wheels, dark stealth* with racing black frame and black wheels and arctic white* with red frame and red wheels, while the exclusive 848EVO Corse Special Edition, with a new, lightweight, aluminium fuel tank, gets dressed in the stunning new Ducati Corse Test Team livery of matte black and matte grey. *Country specific 2013 DUCATI HYPERMOTARD Hyper performance with extreme versatility Ducati introduce the next generation of the Hypermotard family, taking the innovation and excitement of the original concept and enhancing it even further with three incredible new models: The thrilling Hypermotard, Hypermotard SP and the introduction of a stylish and accessible mid-range tourer with everyday practicality The Hyperstrada. The new range combines Ducati’s latest technologies with outstanding Italian design and engineering to write the latest chapter in the Hypermotard story. The Hypermotard and Hypermotard SP deliver a thrilling and fun filled experience, whether on the daily commute or ripping-up the track asphalt, while the Hyperstrada awaits long distance adventure, enabling practical, everyday motorcycling in absolute Ducati style. Brand new from the ground up, the models introduce the new 110hp Ducati 821cc Testastretta 11° engine in a new Trellis frame equipped with top-of-the range chassis components. The Hypermotard and Hypermotard SP use sharp and sleek styling to maintain that essential Supermotard look, while the Hyperstrada is factory-accessorised with full touring-oriented specification. Combine these two worlds of performance with excellent ergonomics and the Ducati Safety Pack of latest generation 3-level ABS, 8-level Ducati Traction Control and integrated Riding Modes, and the new range takes on a relevance that makes perfect sense in modern motorcycling. High ground-clearance combined with a thin waistline and commanding riding positions gives the rider an instant Supermotard feeling, with the added luxury of latest street bike comfort and component quality. While the Hyperstrada is ideal for dominating the every-day urban or long distance commute, the Hypermotard and track-ready Hypermotard SP are intended for the extreme rider who demands the very highest performance. The new range takes the Hypermotard concept into the future with refined design and user-friendly technologies that will enhance its enjoyment to a wider range of riders. 2013 DUCATI DIAVEL The shape of power and style The Ducati Diavel was first introduced to an excited public at the 2010 Milan International Motorcycle Show and has since amazed motorcyclists the world over, collecting awards along the way to become one of Ducati’s most desired models. The innovative machine combines decades of twin-cylinder heritage and Italian style and now completes an exciting 2013 line-up with the Diavel Strada, a brand new model that blends power cruiser performance with touring comfort and functionality. It stands alongside the Diavel Carbon, now exclusively in carbon red and the standard Diavel in three stunning new colour versions: The Diavel Dark in matte black with black-finished componentry and two “street-sport” schemes that introduce metallic blue or Ducati red with stylish white stripes, white wheels and special defining features. Custom shop beauty, state-of-the-art technology, innovative design and extraordinary riding pleasure are masterfully blended into the Diavel, a motorcycle that has now set a new benchmark in the sport cruiser segment, just reward for the innovative designers and engineers that created it. Built to have a commanding presence, though lightweight and agile like all Ducatis, the Diavel takes the man-motorcycle relationship to the next level in absolute comfort. For connoisseurs of technology, ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Riding Modes deliver a confidence-inspiring sophistication while stunning looks, 162hp and 205kg* (452lb) of authentic Ducati performance drives a comfortable sport lifestyle that could only be dreamt of before. Merging the worlds of power and style has never been achieved with such convincing precision. A specially engineered 240 section rear tyre combined with famous Ducati chassis technology serves up mind-blowing handling and lean angles which defy the laws of physics, whether carving through curves on your favourite road or just riding out for a night on the town. *Diavel Carbon version
© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.