Ducati unveils 500-unit Superleggera V4 Centenario with 247hp and carbon-ceramic brakes.
Ducati has lifted the covers on what it claims is its most extreme road-legal motorcycle ever – the Superleggera V4 Centenario – built to mark the company’s 100-year anniversary.
Limited to just 500 individually numbered units, plus a further 100 Tricolore variants, the Centenario sits at the very top of Ducati’s production hierarchy, combining MotoGP-derived technology with a fully carbon-fibre chassis and a claimed 170kW (228hp) in standard trim. Fit the supplied Akrapovič racing exhaust and that figure rises to a claimed 184kW (247hp), delivering a headline power-to-weight ratio of 1.48hp/kg.
At the heart of the Centenario is a new 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine, featuring hand-adjusted desmodromic timing and extensive use of lightweight materials including titanium internals and tungsten crankshaft inserts. Ducati says the engine is 3.6kg lighter than the equivalent Panigale V4 unit, while also delivering increased midrange torque thanks to a longer stroke.
Weight reduction is central to the Superleggera concept, and Ducati has pushed further than ever here. The Centenario uses a full carbon-fibre chassis – including frame, swingarm, subframes and wheels – resulting in a wet weight (without fuel) of just 173kg. With the included racing kit fitted, that drops to a claimed 167kg.
The Centenario also introduces several world-first technologies for a road-legal motorcycle. Chief among them is a Brembo carbon-ceramic braking system, using C/SiC composite discs claimed to offer the same braking power as steel units while reducing weight and inertia. Ducati says each disc is around 450g lighter, with a 40 per cent reduction in rotational inertia improving agility and corner entry precision.
Suspension is equally exotic, with an Öhlins NPX 25/30 pressurised fork featuring carbon-fibre outer sleeves – another first for a production road bike – paired with an Öhlins TTX36 GP LW rear shock using MotoGP-derived valving. Titanium linkages and billet components further contribute to weight savings and performance gains.
Aerodynamics have also been refined, with carbon-fibre bodywork incorporating MotoGP-inspired winglets and corner sidepods designed to generate downforce at high lean angles. The result, according to Ducati, is increased grip mid-corner and improved stability at speed.
Electronics are derived from the Panigale V4 R, with updated Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO) strategies managing traction, wheelie control, slide control and launch control. A new Dynamic Engine Brake function also adjusts rear braking forces during corner entry to maximise stability.
Each Superleggera V4 Centenario is delivered in a dedicated wooden crate and includes a comprehensive track kit with racing exhaust, carbon-fibre components and removable road equipment. Buyers also receive a certificate of authenticity and access to exclusive ownership experiences, including a Ducati MotoGP track event.
The GP26 Rosso Centenario livery, created to mark Ducati’s centenary, links the bike visually to the brand’s racing heritage and future MotoGP and World Superbike designs.
As with previous Superleggera models, availability will be extremely limited, with all units expected to be snapped up quickly by collectors and high-end enthusiasts.
SPECIFICATIONS
Superleggera V4 Centenario
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, Desmodromic V4
Capacity: 1103cc
Bore x Stroke: N/A x 53.5mm
Compression Ratio: N/A
Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection
Max Power: 170kW (228hp) @ 14,500rpm (184kW (247hp) with racing exhaust)
Max Torque: 117.6Nm @ 10,500rpm (126.3Nm with racing exhaust)
Transmission: 6-speed
Final Drive: Chain
CHASSIS
Frame: Carbon fibre front frame
Swingarm: Carbon fibre double-sided
Suspension (Front): Öhlins NPX25/30 Carbon pressurised fork
Suspension (Rear): Öhlins TTX36 GP LW shock
Front Brake: Brembo carbon-ceramic dual discs, GP4-HY calipers
Rear Brake: Single disc, Brembo caliper
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Wet Weight (no fuel): 173kg (167kg with racing kit)
Fuel Tank Capacity: N/A
FEATURES
Full carbon-fibre chassis (frame, swingarm, wheels, bodywork)
Carbon-ceramic braking system
Öhlins carbon-sleeve fork
Akrapovič racing exhaust (included)
MotoGP-derived electronics suite with DVO strategies
Limited edition – 500 units (+100 Tricolore variants)
