New Ducati Panigale V4 R Could be on the Way
Ducati could be set to unleash a new Panigale V4 R in 2026, according to reports
A new Ducati Panigale V4 R could be on the way, according to reports, and it’s unlikely to be based on the current-generation V4 models.
Ducati’s current superbike and supersport ranges have recently undergone extensive updates after a new Panigale V2 arrived on the scene as well as a new V4 - both feature S models for good measure, while new limited edition Tricolore Italia and Lamborghini V4 bikes landed as part of the 2025 Panigale collection.
The new model, expected to arrive in 2026 and therefore spearhead the Italian company’s WorldSBK efforts, has been included in Ducati’s latest VIN decoding document, and it features some rather large hints that there will be a new Panigale V4 R in 2026, according to Cycle World.
A vehicle’s VIN decode is required in order to make sense of the 17-digit code used on every bike’s chassis, and each character within that includes a specific meaning. It’s now become apparent that a previously unused letter is believed to be hinting at a new Panigale V4 R, which is the letter ‘P’, although we’ll await official confirmation before getting too excited.
That said, a new Panigale V4 R would round out Ducati’s superbike line-up quite nicely. The current V4 R that’s being raced in WorldSBK is leading the world championship thanks to second-year rider Nicolo Bulega, despite being an older model.
A new Panigale V4 R would likely take Ducati’s already dominant performances in 2025 to new heights if it does indeed arrive in 2026.
No details about the engine were reported in the VIN document, but the current Desmosedici Stradale power unit will likely be transferred over. It’s also believed that even more of Ducati’s MotoGP tech will be carried over into the new R model.
Where the bike could also be different to all other V4 models - outside of the engine - is the frame. Whatever the difference might be, a new Panigale V4 R is likely to be welcomed by just about everyone given Ducati’s ability to be as innovative as just about any other brand out there.
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
