Famed Italian brand Ducati is set for a major model expansion with nine new models reported for debut at EICMA 2015.
Although its parent company, Volkswagen AG, is undergoing perhaps one of its worst scandals ever (read #DieselGate), it is of no deterrence to the Ducati brand. Credible sources are indicating that the brand are preparing for a major onslaught of new bikes, with up to nine new models reportedly being prepared for debut at this year’s edition of EICMA.
First of all, some good news. Ducati’s CEO Cladio Domenicali has quashed the rumours of a new four-cylinder powerplant. Previous rumours suggested that the purported four-pot would be a replacement to the brand’s 1299 Panigale superbike revealed last year. However, this has turned out to be false, meaning the Bologna-based brand’s new flagship superbike will not come anytime soon.
Now for even better news. Credible sources are reporting that Ducati could reveal up to nine new models meant for 2016 come November this year during EICMA 2015. We have already seen two of which, these being the new Ducati Monster 1200 R – the brand’s most powerful naked bike, ever – and the recently revealed Ducati Diavel Carbon.
Next up are two very exciting model ranges indeed. Firstly, leaked US emissions applications paperwork have revealed that a Ducati 899 Panigale replacement is indeed on its way, with the documents revealing its name – the Ducati 959 Panigale. Ducati’s new ‘Baby Panigale’ will receive a new powerplant, with an enlarged 955cc displacement. Other than that, details are sketchy, so we will have to wait until EICMA comes around to know whether if this upcoming new middleweight supersport is indeed an “all-new” bike.
So, with a new super-naked, a refreshed and darker supercruiser, and perhaps a brand new middleweight, you’d think Ducati would end there right? Well, think again. Also in the pipeline according to credible sources is a revamped Ducati Hypermotard range. Again, leaked US emissions documents are indicating that Ducati will update the supermoto model range extensively.
The new Hypermotard range is set to receive an enlarged new 937cc mill complete with a new six-speed transmission, promising Euro 4 compliance as well. The range will consist of three variants starting with a standard Hypermotard, followed by a racier Hypermotard SP, as well as a more touring-oriented Hyperstrada. Again, details remain scarce beyond what we just mentioned, and only when EICMA comes about will we know if there are indeed “new” bikes from the ground up.
Interestingly, prototypes of what appears to be a belt-driven Diavel-based cruiser has been spotted testing out in the wild as well in recent months. Ducati remains tight-lipped about this particular model, but we are very certain all will be revealed at EICMA in November. Spyshots indicate this mystery new cruiser to be a more comfort-oriented machine as it has its footrests swept forward much like a typical cruiser. This is an interesting development given the fact that Ducati is not known for making bikes of this genre in recent times.
Suffice to say, Ducati is gearing itself up for 2016 rather well. Fuelling this is the fact that the brand is enjoying a healthy growth of 22% in the first half of this year. The firm has delivered a total of 32,600 bikes in this period, and is well on its way at breaking the 50,000 units delivery mark for this year – a remarkable achievement for the celebrated Italian brand indeed.
The only other question remaining is whether Ducati will pursue the idea of entering the small-displacement segment. Now, THAT would be interesting to see to say the least.
Sources: Asphaltandrubber ( Link 1 / Link 2 / Link 3 / Link 4 ) and Visordown
