An image purported to be of the Ducati Panigale V4 superbike is going around the Internet, and we have reason to believe it could be one of the near-production models of Ducati's upcoming model. On September 7, 2017, Ducati will debut its Desmosedici Stradale engine, the new 90-degree V4 engine that will power Ducati's next superbike, which will replace the 1299 Panigale. Ducati may decide to stick with the Panigale name for the next series of bikes, only this time around, the engine will be swapped for a V4, compared to the previous generation v-twin engines.
Also Read: Ducati V4 Superbike Spotted Testing
The latest image resembles the previous generation 1299 Panigale, but there are some obvious changes. The fairing now extends all the way to the fuel tank, and seems like one single unit. The headlight recesses appear to be air ducts, to aid in directing air flow to the V4 engine for better cooling. The swingarm is single-sided, and the bike incorporates "frameless" chassis design, with a different engine case, placed in a different position than the 1299 Panigale.
While the 1299 Panigale will have its swansong with the 1299 Panigale Final Edition, Ducati may not completely do away with the Panigale name. The spy shot of the latest bike isn't the best quality, but the Panigale name is clearly visible, and from all indications, the new bike may be called the Ducati Panigale V4. The bike is expected to be unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, in November.
