Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained explored the remarkable and space-efficient V4 engine from Ducati, contrasting it with supercars an...
Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained explored the remarkable and space-efficient V4 engine from Ducati, contrasting it with supercars and hypercars.
I have a story written about the Ducati Panigale V4 forPlayboy that continues to be featured on Ducati's official website. And, honestly, I still can't believe it was published. Even forPlayboy, it was chaotic. Enjoyable to write, enjoyable to experience, but completely and utterly wild. I suggest you don't read it on a work computer.
But the core of the article was something inherent to the motorcycle itself, and most importantly, something arising from that incredible engine:the V4.
It is, without a doubt, one of the most extraordinary engines ever created. It emits a growl when it starts up, and lets out a wild, intense howl as you push it through its rev range. This engine has a way of making you suddenly lose control of your speech, with your mouth and mind only able to produce expletives and suggestive remarks that would get you into trouble with HR quicker than the Panigale's 0-60 acceleration.
Even now, the thought of it sends a shiver down my spine due to the noise the engine makes as it pushes toward its limits. However, the V4's engineering is far more than just its sound. No, Ducati poured everything into developing the V4, as explained by Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained.
For those who haven't watched Engineering Explained and found themselves drifting off during the technical jargon that Fenske excels at, you're in for a delightful experience. The man, the myth, the legend—and I'm referring to Fenske's whiteboards, not Jason himself—is one of those science and engineering teachers who has a unique ability to simplify complicated concepts and present them in plain English for regular people who just want to rev the engine and do a wheelie, like a caveman such as myself.
The video's idea is that Ducati, alongside other sportbike makers, has somehow surpassed the horsepower competitions of modern supercars and hypercars, achieving extreme power numbers from engines no larger than a liter of soda. Indeed, the primary comparison Fenske makes is with Honda's famous F20C engine from the S2000, but he demonstrates that Ducati is producing twice the horsepower from half the displacement.
He then contrasts the Ducati V4 with Gordon Murray and Cosworth'sproprietary insane 4.0-liter V12 in the T.50, and demonstrates that, similar to the S2000 engine, the V4 is still producing almost 100 horsepower more per liter than even the top naturally aspirated supercar engine in existence. Woof. Although the T.50 does have a bit more torque per liter, this is more related to Ducati's.higherredline. Yes, it will roar much louder than the race-tuned Cosworth engine.
Once more, the V4 is an outstanding example of engineering, and the entire 13-minute video is worth watching, as Fenske explains the V4's design in a way that surpasses my own ability to describe it. I mean, I'm just someone with a throttle tattoo on their hand. He holds an engineering degree. So relax, get a cup of coffee, and enjoy Fenske sharing his passion.
I'll just stay here, imagining the V4 once more.
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