Ducati has dusted off the familiar ‘SP’ (Sport Production) suffix for the latest addition to its Panigale V4 sportsbike range, complete with features handed down from the top-of-the-line Superleggara V4 ‘hyperbike’.
Slotting into the range with the V4 R and the V4 S, the Ducati Panigale V4 SP is a more racing honed model designed for track day enthusiasts, with exclusivity guaranteed by its unique number assigned to each model and a stealthy noir paint job that draws inspiration from the ‘winter test livery’ of its WorldSBK forebears, as well as a striking brushed aluminium fuel tank.
Designed to trim ‘the fat’, the Panigale V4 SP whittles the weight down to 173kg with the use of split-spoke carbon rims - 1.4kg lighter than the forged aluminium variants - while it also gets use of parts showcased on the Superleggara V4, including the same brake calipers and master cylinders, dry clutch and same chain size (520).
Under the skin, the Panigale V4 SP utilises the same electronics package as its siblings, but now includes Ducati Traction Control (DTC) derived from Ducati Corse.
The Riding mode has also been split into two different mappings giving the rider more flexibility when chasing a quick lap time on track.
You’ll also get a full racing kit for track use, including solid aluminium caps for the removal of the rear view mirrors, kit for the removal of the license plate holder, open clutch cover and includes the Ducati Data Analyzer + with GPS module.
The introduction of the Ducati Panigale V4 SP - which will go on sale in March 2021 - coincides with the entire Panigale V4 range being updated to meet Euro5 compliance.
