Ducati: the new V4 Granturismo engine is not desmodromic

Designed for the Multistrada, which will be presented in early November, the engine will have much longer maintenance intervals than those of the previous generation: every 60,000 km due to valve clearance

Ducati officially presents the new V4 Granturismo engine, the long-awaited engine that will equip the next generation of Ducati Multistrada, whose release is scheduled for November 4, 2020. No desmodromic distribution but a more traditional spring distribution with calibrated cups and pads. A new course is thus inaugurated in Borgo Panigale with the creation of a compact, light, high-performance and torque-rich engine, made with advanced technologies and unique materials to ensure great durability and reliability. This is a further innovation after the overcoming of the classic trellis and the arrangement of the L-shaped cylinders.

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The engine

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The new V4 Granturismo engine respects the limits of the Euro 5 homologation, guaranteeing maximum smoothness of operation combined with a substantial extension of maintenance intervals. As mentioned, the distribution adopts a spring valve return system allowing to carry the maintenance intervals of the V4 Granturismo at 60,000 km. A result obtained thanks to the use of materials, treatments and technical choices developed for the desmodromic system which, when applied to a spring valve return system, stresses the components less than the Desmo. The spring distribution ensures a great regularity of operation at low revs and low loads, without forgetting the absolute performance, the power at highs and the reach of a true sports engine. The V4 Granturismo is capable of delivering 125 kW, or 170 HP, at 10,500 rpm and developing a maximum torque of 125 Nm at 8,750 rpm. The weight of the engine is only 66.7 kg, 1.2 kg lighter than the Testastretta twin used on the previous Multistrada 1260. The displacement of 1,158 cc is ideal for the performance, lightness and dimensions of a V4 engine. Also compared to the previous generation engine, the V4 Granturismo is 85 mm shorter, 95 mm lower and only 20 mm wider. Measures that have allowed the insertion of the engine inside the frame in a more effective and central way, positively influencing the position of the bike’s center of gravity.

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The Ducati experience

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The V4 Granturismo introduces a series of elements derived directly from the experience acquired by the Borgo Panigale manufacturer in the world of racing. The V4 Granturismo adopts a counter-rotating crankshaft to improve the handling and agility of the bike. It takes advantage of the “Twin Pulse” technology to offer a full-bodied yet perfectly manageable delivery at all speeds. Not only that, in order to avoid drops in thermal comfort due to the heat transmitted by the rear cylinders, the V4 Granturismo “embraces” the strategy of deactivating the rear bank to a minimum. When the bike is stationary, the rear bank is deactivated, blocking the combustion process in the cylinders in order to improve the thermal comfort of the rider and passenger thanks to the lowering of temperatures. At the same time there is also a reduction in consumption.

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V4 Granturismo engine, technical data

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1,158 cc four-cylinder 90 ° V engine.
Bore x stroke 83 x 53.5 mm.
Compression ratio 14: 1.
Maximum power 125 kW (170 Hp) at 10,500 rpm.
Maximum torque 125 Nm (12.7 Kgm) from 8,750 rpm.
Euro 5 homologation.
Mixed chain – gear timing system with double overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder.
Counter-rotating crankshaft with 70 ° offset connecting rod pins.
Multi-plate clutch in oil bath, interlocked and with anti-hopping function.
Semi-dry sump lubrication and three oil pumps: 1 delivery and 2 recovery.
Power supply with four oval throttle bodies with an equivalent diameter of 46 mm.
Six-speed gearbox with Ducati Quick Shift (Dqs) Up & Down system.
Control and eventual adjustment of valve clearance set at 60,000 km.
Rear bank deactivation when parked.

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