2020 Superleggera V4, the ultimate Ducati hyperbike

Ducati reveals 2020 Superleggera V4 made of carbon fiber and limited to 500 units

The covers have been pulled off the new 2020 Ducati Superleggera V4, the definitive production version of Project 1708. The Italian hyperbike is the most technologically advanced and most powerful production Ducati to date. Its power-to-weight ratio of 1.43 PS/kg breaks records for a road-legal sport bike. The racing kit achieves an even wilder power-to-weight ratio of 1.56 PS/kg.

It’s the only street-legal bike with the entire chassis (frame, subframe, swingarm, and wheels) made up of carbon fiber and composite materials. All the carbon fiber, titanium, magnesium, aluminum, and composite materials keep the Superleggera V4’s dry weight at 159 kg; the racing kit brings this number lower to 152.2 kg.

The 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale R 90° V4 engine (also found in the V4 R superbike) weighs 2.8 kg less than the 1,103 cc V4 and features a dry clutch, adjustable Desmodromic timing system, and Akrapovič exhaust. The included racing kit comes with an extra Akrapovič titanium unit, special engine settings, and a RaceGP display (designed with the help of Andrea Dovizioso) for track-only use. In track configuration, power is boosted to 237 PS.

To ensure the highest levels of quality and safety, the Ducati Superleggera’ V4s components have been tested using aerospace techniques like thermography, ultrasound, and tomography. The aerodynamic carbon fiber fairing is as efficient as MotoGP bikes thanks to the biplane aerofoils which achieve 50 kg of downforce at 270 km/h — more than the 20 kg of downforce achieved by the 2020 Panigale V4 and V4 R. The bodywork dons a GP19-inspired Desmosedici livery over naked carbon.

Riding modes include Race A, Race B, Sport, and five additional programmable settings. The Lap Timer can record laps and split times for five circuits. The rider can save these setups so they don’t have to be repeated when visiting favorite tracks. Also upgraded are the electronic aids, Öhlins suspension, and exclusive Brembo brakes.

Like the previous Superleggeras, only 500 units will be made and delivery will start in Europe around June 2020. Buyers receive the chance to purchase an exclusive Dainese leather suit with special graphics, an integrated airbag, and a carbon fiber Arai helmet.

Owners of the 2020 Ducati Superleggera V4 will also gain access to the SBK Experience which allows a test ride of the WSBK Panigale V4 R at Mugello. Only 30 buyers will also have the opportunity to test the Desmodici GP20 race bike in a special MotoGP Experience with the support of the Ducati Corse technicians.