A Ducati GP12, moto que Valentino Rossi e Nicky Hayden vão pilotar no mundial de MotoGP, desenvolve nesta altura algo como 250 cavalos de potência e é capaz de chegar aos 360 km/h, quando se aproximam os testes de pré-temporada do MotoGP, em Sepang (Malásia), a 31 de janeiro.
A revelação foi feita pela Cardion AB, equipa satélite da Ducati, através de um comunicado onde sublinha o facto da potência da máquina de 1.000cc estar bem acima da moto utilizada na temporada passada, que tinha 800cc e menos 15 cavalos.
A GP11 do ano passado extraía qualquer coisa como 235cv do motor de 800cc, cujo ângulo em V era alegadamente de 90 graus, existindo rumores que o propulsor de 2012 tem um ângulo mais reduzido (fala-se de 75 graus) para resolver alguns problemas de estabilidade.
No entanto, e como é natural, a moto fornecida pela Ducati às equipas-satélite, como a Cardion AB, não será exactamente igual à máquina oficial, que continua a ser desenvolvida sob o maior secretismo por Valentino Rossi, Franco Battaini e Carlos Checa.
Want a Ducati 848 with Nicky Hayden’s signature on the fuel tank and a special paint job? You can get it beginning next week at authorized Ducati dealerships for a U.S. MSRP of $14,495. The first of the 2010 model 848s to arrive in the U.S., this special edition features 2010 model year updates, including LED-illumination, extended rear view mirrors and, perhaps most important, lighter aluminum cam belt tensioner pulleys “for improved acceleration”.
Of course, the bike might also commemorate Nicky Hayden’s most frustrating and unproductive year in MotoGP, unless he turns it around. Stay tuned for this weekend’s race.
Here is the official press release from Ducati:
MotoGP Fans Celebrate the 4th of July with Debut of Special Edition Motorcycle Monterey, Calif. (July 3, 2009) – Ducati North America is proud to announce the newest addition to its model range, the 848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition. The special edition 848 will be unveiled tomorrow at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
In honor of Fourth of July, Ducati is celebrating American World Champion Nicky Hayden with a special USA themed 848. This US -exclusive model will be unveiled at 4pm Saturday July 4 on Ducati Island at the USGP with Nicky Hayden and Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio. It will be on display the remainder of the weekend for fans to view, and available at Ducati dealers July 7th in limited numbers.
The Nicky Hayden Edition is the first of the 2010 model year 848’s to arrive in the United States. The distinctive features and 2010 model upgrades on this motorcycle include the American inspired livery, LED dash illumination for superior night visibility, a 30mm mirror extension kit for enhanced vision and aluminum cam belt tensioner pulleys for improved acceleration.
Boasting 134hp at 10,000 rpm, the 848 Nicky Hayden Edition is unmatched in the middleweight class for torque and power values.
The 2010 Ducati 848 Nicky Hayden Edition is priced at $14,495 and available at authorized Ducati dealerships this coming week.