Ducati has dropped a teaser for a new bike unveil happening at the Laguna Seca WSB round in California on Friday 7th July. And from the look of the accompanying picture and video it seems it will be a final edition Panigale.
It’s already an open secret that Ducati is set to launch a new V4-powered superbike for 2018. That bike is likely to be shown at the end of this year, and will use a version of the MotoGP Desmosedici’s 1000cc V4 engine. However, Ducati has also revealed that the Panigale will remain its WSB bike during 2018. So a final edition Panigale makes a lot of sense as a run-out, top-spec model.
That fits with the firm’s normal pattern. It kept using the 998 in WSB for a year after the 999 was launched, and retained the 999 as its racer for 12 months after the debut of the 1098. The same happened again when the 1198 was swapped for the 1199 Panigale.
Launching the bike at Laguna makes sense, too. It’s likely to target the American audience, not least because the 1299 (and 1199cc Panigale R) Panigale still complies with US emissions rules. The 1299 is the only Ducati that doesn’t meet Euro4 emissions limits, and with a replacement due it isn’t expected to be updated to comply with them for 2018 either.
The launch, at a WSB round, hints heavily that this version may be a final edition update for the 1199cc Panigale R, aimed at improving its competitiveness in racing, rather than a change to the 1285cc 1299 Panigale. It’s clear from the video and image that the bike will have a Tricolore colour scheme, in red, green and white. Again, that’s something Ducati has used for high-end models in the past.
Notably, the Panigale is the only generation of Ducati superbike not to win a WSB crown. The firm has one year left to remedy that. By launching a high-end final edition Panigale, perhaps even with the 1299 Superleggera’s carbon fibre chassis, it might have the chance to do that.
Not long to wait before the bike’s unveiled, but given the way limited-edition Ducatis tend to sell out fast, if you’re interested it might be worth contacting your dealer sooner rather than later!
