Ducati's 1199 Panigale superbike launched

The international press launch for the latest addition to the Ducati superbike family took place at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina circuit. The event, where Australia's Superbike World Champion Troy Bayliss was in attendance, marked the official introduction of the ground-breaking 1199 Panigale, 1199 Panigale S and flagship 1199 Panigale S Tricolore and opens a new chapter in the company's superbike history.

Ducati claim a host of firsts for the Panigale, including the most high tech, most powerful twin-cylinder "Superquadro" L-twin engine, an innovative monocoque chassis, which combine to deliver the highest production motorcycle power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios in the world.

The 1199 also features a host of race-derived electronics. With the click of a button, Ducati's 'Riding Mode' concept delivers performance with enhanced rider confidence by combining seven class-leading technologies. The latest-generation sports ABS system, Traction Control, Electronic Suspension, Ducati Quick-Shift, new race-derived Engine Brake Control and Ride-by-Wire are now all programmed into seamless, electronic rider assistance. Even the full colour Thin Film Transistor display changes to suit the rider's environment.

State-of-the-art from the ground-up and melding latest technologies with exciting new family features, the 1199 Panigale is totally "Ducati" in every respect.

All three Panigale variants are due for local release in April, with pricing (TBC) as follows: base model Panigale - $26,990; Panigale S - $33,990; with the flagship Panigale S Tricolore topping the range at $39,990. The latter has a revised version of the Ducati Data Analyser system which includes GPS amongst other features.

Look out for the Panigale at your nearest Ducati dealer, or go to ducati.com.au for further updates.