2023 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 First Look

As we had previously reported last month, Ducati is introducing a new Panigale V4 SP2, a numbered series production model it bills as “The Ultimate Racetrack Machine.” Internationally, the SP2 is a 2022 model, but for North America, it will arrive in dealerships in the fourth quarter as a 2023 model.

A follow up to 2021’s SP model, the SP2 takes all the updates the Panigale V4 and V4 S received for 2022, and adds a number of upgrades to make it worthy of the “Sport Production” label and $39,500 price tag.

These upgrades include carbon wheels, Brembo Stylema R calipers, MCS radial master cylinder, STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, lightened 520 chain, billet Rizoma footpegs and a matt black Winter Test livery.

According to Ducati, the SP2’s five-split spoke carbon rims are 3.1 pounds lighter than the aluminum forged wheels of the Panigale V4 S. Ducati also claims a 26% reduction in inertia for the front wheel and a 46% reduction at the rear. Along with a number of other carbon components, the wheels contribute to a claimed curb weight of 428.7 pounds, down from the Panigale V4 S’ claimed 431 pounds.

The Panigale V4 SP2’s STM-EVO SBK dry clutch and 520 chain final drive are inherited from Ducati’s World Superbike machines. According to Ducati, the dry clutch offers an improved anti-hopping function and better “off-throttle” fluidity compared to the wet clutch of the V4 S. The clutch also allows for a secondary spring upgrade from the Ducati Performance catalog to customize the engine brake level.

Like the relatively pedestrian Panigale V4s, the 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine receives a 1.5 hp increase in peak horsepower to a claimed 215.5 hp at 13,000 rpm for Euro 5 models, but North American models make due with a mere 210 hp at 12,500 rpm. Ducati will also offer an Akrapovič titanium exhaust that claims to add another 12.5 hp while increasing the maximum torque from a claimed 90.6 lb-ft. to 96.6 lb-ft.

The chassis is also unchanged from the V4 S, with a fully adjustable NPX25/30 43mm inverted fork and TTX36 shock from Öhlins, with the event-based Smart EC 2.0 electronic compression and rebound damping adjustments.

Other electronic features include selectable riding and power modes, Cornering ABS EVO, Traction Control EVO 3, Wheelie Control EVO, Slide Control, Engine Brake Control EVO, up and down EVO2 quick shift, and launch control. The Panigale V4 SP2 also comes standard with the GPS module which enables an automatic lap time function, and the Ducati Data Analyzer for an in-depth look at track data.

The 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 comes with a track kit for removing the license plate holder, and open carbon clutch cover, and billet aluminum plates for mirror removal. It will arrive in U.S. showrooms later this year with a price of $39,500.