NickyHayden

Ducati Unveils Desmosedici GP10 MotoGP Motorcycle in Italy

Ducati GP10 MotoGP motorcycle – Click above for high-res image gallery

While the big switch back to a full liter of displacement for MotoGP racing motorcycles won't go into effect until the 2012 racing season, there are still major performance gains to be had with the current 800cc powerplants. Evidence of such can be seen in the new Ducati Desmosedici GP10 racer, which was just unveiled at an exclusive event in the Italian Dolomite mountains.

The biggest change to the bike's outward appearance is the new tail-mounted exhaust location, which does a lot to clean up the side view of the bike and looks absolutely amazing in execution. It's under the carbon fiber skin, though, where the most important change takes place, starting with a heavily revised cooling system designed to allow each engine to last longer – a nod to new rules stipulating that each team can only use six engines per rider for the entire season.

Besides the expected updates to the pistons, rods and crankshaft, the major news is that Ducati has switched back to a so-called big-bang firing order for its V4 engine, which the manufacturer claims will make the powerful bike easier to ride with improved grip and traction. In addition, the rear half of the bike was made stiffer in an effort to keep the machine from squatting under hard acceleration. Check out our high-res gallery of images below and be sure to click past the break to see the live unveiling captured on video.

Gallery: Ducati Desmosedici GP10

[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]

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Ducati Launches 848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition at U.S. Grand Prix

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Sports

2010 Ducati 848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ducati is using this weekend's Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in California as the backdrop to launch its new 848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition sportbike. The new machine, which will only be available here in the States, features the same 134-horsepower L-twin Evoluzione powerplant, wet-clutch and six-speed gearbox as the rest of the 848 line.

As the first of the 2010 848s introduced, the new Special Edition ushers in a revised LED dash cluster, optional 30mm mirror extensions for those with long-torsos and improved aluminum cam belt tensioner pulleys to go along with its new patriotic livery.

The 848 Nicky Hayden SE will carry a $14,495 sticker price – a reasonable $500 over the asking price for last year's 848 – and will hit Ducati dealerships in America on July 7th after being on display throughout the U.S. GP festivities starting on the 4th. Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: Ducati 848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition