Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario revealed with carbon brakes, limited to 500 units

Ducati, on Friday, unveiled the Superleggera V4 Centenario to mark the company’s 100th anniversary. The motorcycle is a limited-edition, road-legal superbike and represents the most advanced Superleggera model produced by the Borgo Panigale manufacturer.

Production is limited to 500 individually numbered motorcycles. Ducati will also produce 100 Superleggera V4 Centenario Tricolore units with a special livery inspired by the 750 F1 Endurance racing motorcycle from the 1980s.

The model continues the Superleggera series that began with the 1199 Superleggera in 2013, followed by the 1299 Superleggera in 2016 and the Panigale V4 Superleggera in 2020, with each project focusing on lightweight materials and race-derived technology.
Carbon chassis and weight reduction

The Superleggera V4 Centenario uses carbon fibre for the frame, swingarm, subframes, wheels and bodywork. The carbon frame is 17% lighter than the aluminium frame used on the Panigale V4, while the swingarm is 21% lighter but maintains similar rigidity. The wheels and other chassis components also contribute to overall weight reduction and improved handling.

The motorcycle has a wet weight without fuel of 173 kg. With the supplied racing kit installed, the weight is reduced to 167 kg. Ducati states that every carbon fibre component is inspected using aerospace-style non-destructive testing methods to ensure structural quality.

The bike is also the first road-legal motorcycle equipped with carbon-ceramic brake discs and a fork with carbon-fibre sleeves, both derived from MotoGP technology.

Desmosedici Stradale R 1100 engine and performance

Power comes from a new Desmosedici Stradale R 1100 engine developed specifically for this model. Engine displacement increases to 1,103 cc due to a longer stroke, which improves mid-range performance while maintaining high-rev performance.

The engine produces 228 hp in road configuration and 247 hp when fitted with the Akrapovič racing exhaust and track configuration. Ducati claims a power-to-weight ratio of 1.48 hp per kilogram in track form.

The engine uses titanium valves, titanium connecting rods, titanium bolts and lightweight internal components. The crankshaft uses tungsten inserts instead of steel counterweights to improve responsiveness and engine acceleration. The engine also features special pistons, larger throttle bodies and polished intake and exhaust ports. The desmodromic valve timing is manually set and certified by a technician.

The transmission uses a Ducati Racing Gearbox with neutral positioned below first gear to prevent accidental neutral selection during aggressive braking and corner entry.

Brakes, suspension and aerodynamics

The braking system uses Brembo carbon-ceramic discs made from carbon fibre-reinforced ceramic material. Compared with steel discs, the system reduces weight and rotational inertia by up to 40% while maintaining braking performance. Brembo GP4-HY monobloc calipers with an anti-drag system are used to improve braking stability and control.

The suspension system is derived from MotoGP technology. The motorcycle uses a pressurised Öhlins NPX 25/30 carbon fork with carbon sleeves to reduce weight and cavitation and improve braking support and front-end sensitivity. The rear suspension uses an Öhlins TTX36 GP LW shock absorber with MotoGP-derived valving and lightweight components. Titanium suspension linkages are also used.

Aerodynamic components include wings and corner sidepods derived from the Panigale V4 R Superbike. These components generate downforce at high lean angles and create a ground effect that increases grip and cornering stability. The bodywork is made entirely from carbon fibre and is partially exposed. The motorcycle uses the GP26 Rosso Centenario livery created to mark Ducati’s centenary.

Electronics, collector package and MotoGP experience

The electronics package is derived from the Panigale V4 R and updated with Ducati Vehicle Optimisation strategies. The system includes traction control, wheelie control, slide control, launch control and Engine Brake Control with Dynamic Engine Brake. The system automatically adjusts engine braking and rear brake intervention to improve stability and corner entry performance.

Each Superleggera V4 Centenario is delivered in a customised wooden crate with a certificate of authenticity, motorcycle cover, paddock stands, accessories and a complete racing kit for track use. The racing kit includes the Akrapovič exhaust, track bodywork and components for track configuration.

In addition to the motorcycles, 26 owners will receive access to a MotoGP Experience that includes a track day and a ride on the DesmosediciGP26 MotoGP motorcycle.