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engine

How is a Ducati engine born?

From concept to production

Ducati engines are not just built; they are engineered with passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Every step of the process reflects the brand’s dedication to innovation and performance.

BRIEF DESIGN CALIBRATION TESTING ENGINEERING QUALITY
    Laying the Foundation: The Product Brief
    The journey begins with the Product Brief, a document that defines the project’s core pillars, including type of engine, architecture and also desired performance metrics such as power, torque, weight, fuel efficiency, and CO2 emissions. From here, Ducati leverages its own engineering heritage to draft initial engine specifications, detailed in an Engine Data Sheet.
    Turning Ideas Into Blueprints: Design Phase
    At this stage, critical design elements are finalized, such as:
    - Shaft centers - Oil and water circuits
    - Timing system and gearbox
    - Throttle body configuration

    Aspects that affect the integration of the engine into the chassis are defined through key interactions with the Vehicle Design department. Then, all prototype components are modeled and tested, with rigorous calculations and testing.
    Engine Definition and Calibration
    Engine parameters are refined for optimal functionality and performance. Key processes include:
    • Combustion and knock analysis
    • Defining fuel injectors
    • Calibration of air-fuel and torque models
    • Exhaust emission assessments

    Advanced Simulations are employed to accelerate problem-solving and fine-tune performance.
    Reliability Testing: Pushing the Limits
    Reliability tests are conducted to ensure durability under extreme conditions. These tests simulate real-world scenarios such as endurance races and high-speed tracks like Nardò. Continuous monitoring during tests evaluates:
    • Oil and water system performance
    • Vibrations and blow-by rate
    • Oil consumption and quality

    Failures are not setbacks but opportunities to refine the process through advanced simulation and analysis. Ducati has a highly specialised laboratory inside the factory for material and liquid analysis that is able to determine the origin of any falilure found during development.
    Engineering for Production
    Once components pass prototype testing, the components are redesigned on an industrial scale, initiating the Avanserie (AVA) phase. This phase, which begins approximately one year before Start Of Production (SOP), is made to confirm the validity of the design. The Pre-Series (PRE) phase, in which the engine is produced with final equipment and processes, begins approximately five months after SOP. This phase is necessary to validate the production process. At each stage of engine development and assembly, the quality department monitors every step to ensure maximum reliability, an essential element of every Ducati engine and motorcycle.
    Quality Assurance
    To maintain Ducati’s high standards, the development process includes:
    • Design guidelines
    • Testing checklists

    • Lessons learned from failures and production feedback
The Engine R&D Department

The Engine R&D department consists of three specialized teams: Design, Testing, and Calculations. Each team works in close collaboration, led by Project Leaders who have in-depth knowledge of engine families and oversee their development from inception to Start of Production.

This organizational structure fosters the growth of internal expertise and ensures the highest level of technical excellence.

Engine Design

The Engine Design team focuses on engine development, creating detailed and innovative technical solutions to deliver exceptional performance. Design specialists concentrate on specific component groups, ensuring seamless integration between structure and functionality.

Engine Testing

The Engine Testing team is dedicated to testing and analyzing every aspect of the engine, using advanced methodologies to verify its reliability, performance, and durability. Testing specialists focus on specific techniques to ensure each Ducati engine meets rigorous standards.

Engine Calculations

The Engine Calculations team employs cutting-edge simulation tools to optimize every detail of the engine, from valve dynamics to fluid dynamics. Their work ensures that each component is designed to deliver uncompromising performance and reliability.

New V2 engine

The lightest twin-cylinder ever produced in Borgo Panigale, it offers maximum riding enjoyment by ensuring substantial torque delivery at all engine speeds and real sports performance at the top end.

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DESIGN Ducati’s Approach to Design discover more

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