Ducati names new superbike; to be unveiled in November

(September 21, 2011) Ducati has officially announced the naming of its new generation 2012 Superbike as the “Ducati 1199 Panigale” and confirmed that the unveiling and first public display will be at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan Nov. 10-13.

Having attracted massive, world-wide interest during the machine’s many test phases, the exciting new model was officially named in an emotional video released on the Italian manufacturer’s website, Ducati.com, and Ducati Motor Holding’s official Youtube channel.

Pronounced “Pan-ee-gah-lee,” the new model breaks with Ducati’s Superbike tradition by adding a name to its 1199cc engine capacity (referred to as eleven-nine-nine), making a significant and warm association to its historic roots in the Borgo Panigale area of Bologna.

"In an Italian territory known as 'Motor Valley' and where high performance and racing runs through the veins of its passionate people, Ducati now underlines their pride in being world ambassadors for the 'Made in Italy' title by immortalizing their home town in the name of the new Superbike," a Ducati press release said.

Developed as a true sport bike with competition in its DNA, the Ducati 1199 Panigale will first see racing action in the 2012 FIM Superstock Championship and, in accordance with the factory’s development program, make its debut in World Superbike in 2013.

The two-stage introduction enables Ducati additional development for the Superbike version of the 1199 Panigale, appropriate to the more open regulations of the World Superbike category, and in addition help control costs for World Superbike teams who can continue to compete with a 2012 version of the 1198 with technical support from Ducati engineers.