Audi 2013 Annual Report Download - page 122

But it is not just the passion that makes Ducati and Audi such a
good match. There are already numerous parallels today. They
both play a leading role and exhibit high expertise in lightweight
construction. Many years of know-how in engine devel opment,
cutting-edge design and uncompromising quality of workmanship.
Chief engineer Andrea Forni sees great potential for knowledge
transfer regarding technologies that are normally the domain of
carmaking. Some examples are direct fuel injection, electroni-
cally controlled parts that are still implemented mechanically
in motorcycles, such as the water pump – and above all the
processing and use of carbon fiber. In return, Audi benefits from
the wealth of experience that Ducati oers in high rev ranges of
up to 18,000 rpm, which require extreme minimization of friction
and very special material selection.
Quality Director Andrea Gesi draws a parallel between the weather
conditions during the ride to Munich – with sun, rain, wind and
even snow on the mountain peaks – and the company’s history,
which has sometimes been just as challenging. Various owners
stirred up a lot of turbulence in the last 20 years. He is therefore
all the more pleased that the company’s aliation with the
Audi Group allows intensive knowledge transfer in the quality area.
Such a relationship will also let the company continue to build
motorcycles for racing, which represents the heart of Ducati’s DNA.
The unbending will to constantly measure oneself and to be
better than the competition is the driving force that makes such
technical masterpieces as the 1199 Superleggera possible.
Claudio Domenicali’s eyes light up as he talks about this light-
weight wonder, whose dry weight is just 155 kilograms and
which has a huge lead over the competition. And one thing be-
comes clear. There is more than just passion at play here.
Love. True love.
JOIN THE DUCATI MANAGERS
ON THEIR TOUR !
“THE
SUPERLEGGERA
IS A GENUINE
STATEMENT. WE
HAVE ONCE
AGAIN SHOWN
THE WORLD :
WE ARE DUCATI.”
Claudio Domenicali,
CEO Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
Monocoque frame and forged magnesium
Marchesini wheels. Shock absorbers with titanium
springs. Akrapovic titanium exhaust. Pistons
with just two piston rings. Carbon-fiber backframe
and fairing. The new performance beauty, the
1199 Superleggera, lives up to its name. It is super-
light at a dry weight of 155 kilograms. And a
power output of more than 149 kW (200 hp) also
makes it superfast and super desirable : All
500 bikes of the limited edition series have already
been sold.
THE LIGHTWEIGHT WONDER
Not to be overlooked : The new colleagues from Bologna have arrived.
Fuel consumption and emission figures at the end of the Annual Report
PHOTOS : Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., AUDI AG
PL AY ITALIAN
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