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2012 Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition

Inspired by AMG

Ducati has celebrated its partnership with AMG by producing the Diavel AMG Special Edition, inspired by the German maker's unmistakeable styling. Combining exclusivity with high performance, the Diavel AMG Special Edition is the perfect synthesis of two unequalled brands with a shared passion for exceptional achievement, unique design and conscientious attention to detail.

Ducati and Mercedes AMG have proudly announced that the first public showing of the Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition will be at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany from 15-25 September. The 2012 flagship model of the Diavel family is a tribute to the AMG luxury-sport brand and is intended for passionate connoisseurs of technology, engineering detail and exclusive style.

Ducati's unique cooperation with Mercedes AMG was first announced at the 2010 Los Angeles Motor Show with a sponsorship agreement for the Ducati MotoGP Team which perfectly demonstrated the shared brand values of high performance, motorsport and excitement. The association soon developed into a rich strategy of co-marketing activities and the Diavel AMG Special Edition now represents the first "co-inspired" model, elegantly combining distinctive styling features from both famous marques.

Based upon the Diavel Carbon, the Diavel AMG Special Edition features AMG's signature 5-spoke wheel styling, carbon fibre lateral radiator grills with aluminium trim, AMG-style sport exhaust system with engraved end-caps and AMG-style horizontally ribbed seat upholstered in Alcantara®. The model's incredible attention to performance detail also ensures that every engine has its Desmodromic cam-timing set by hand and authenticated with the name of the engine technician engraved on the left-side engine casing. Further underlining the model's exclusivity, each motorcycle will have a numbered plaque on the fuel tank.




The award-winning Ducati Diavel has had massive first-year success for the Italian motorcycle manufacturer, its bold design merging the worlds of power and style with absolute precision to set a new industry standard for the segment. Ducati's awesome Testastretta 11° engine combined with their famous chassis technology and a specially engineered 240 section rear tyre delivers mind-blowing performance balanced with user-friendly comfort and safety-enhancing electronics.


Hand-built - as with all Ducati motorcycles - the exclusive new Diavel AMG Special Edition is dressed in matte black carbon fibre bodywork with AMG's very own "Diamond White Bright" stripe and frame colour contrasted with black wheels. The special edition wheels, seat and exhaust end-caps are all AMG branded while "AMG" is also laser-engraved into the air-duct panels either side of the fuel tank. The Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition and dedicated leather jacket and helmet apparel will be available in early 2012 with orders opening to coincide with the first public showing at the Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany.






2012 Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition Model Highlights


Diavel concept - The Diavel project was born when Ducati designers applied their wish-list of bike “basic instincts” to a blank canvas. With a “what if?” approach to creating a dream bike, they sketched inspiring shapes which became a lower and longer motorcycle. “The challenge of building a muscular silhouette over a pure-bred competition motor had to be met with determination and a delicate touch, and the result is a frontal area that looks like a power athlete on the starting blocks,” explains the team at Ducati Design responsible for the project. “With the front wheel kept close to the Diavel’s body and using the short tail of a sport bike, we were able to blend this muscular design with a chassis that matched.”





Diavel AMG design - The unmistakeable design of the Diavel Carbon is enhanced by refined AMG-inspired, branded sport features. The Diavel AMG Special Edition features: splendid forged 5-spoke wheels, carbon fibre air vents with aluminium trimming, an all-new sports exhaust and a seat with horizontally ribbed seat upholstered in Alcantara®. Frame, tank and passenger seat cover are in the AMG's Diamond White, contrasting assertively with the opaque black of the carbon fibre. Further underlining the model's exclusivity, each bike is numbered and will have a plate mounted on the engine carrying the signature of the worker who manually calibrated the Desmodromic system timing.


ENGINE



Testastretta 11° - The Diavels heart is the Ducati Testastretta 11° - developed directly from the incredibly powerful, world-beating race engines of Ducati Corse. Ducati's Testastretta 11° harnesses the immense power of the Superbike engine and makes it smooth and adaptable, a massive step forward in balancing high-performance with an enjoyable ride. For an engine with brute power on tap when needed and smooth, user-friendliness available for an effortless and comfortable ride, Ducati revised the configuration of the cam timing with particular focus on the valve overlap angle. The overlap angle is defined as the interval of crankshaft rotation, measured in degrees, during which both the intake and exhaust valves are open at the same time. This overlap occurs between the end of the exhaust stroke and the start of the intake stroke. High performance engines, which are subject to compromising smoothness for extreme power delivery, use high values of this parameter in order to benefit from the pressure waves to improve engine performance by maximising volumetric efficiency. On the Testastretta 11° engine, this angle has been reduced from 41°, used in the Testastretta Evoluzione engine which powers the 1198, to 11°. As a result, the fresh inlet charge flow is less compromised by the exiting exhaust gases, resulting in a much smoother combustion in addition to improved fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions. The model's incredible attention to performance detail also ensures that every engine has its Desmodromic cam-timing set by hand and authenticated with the name of the engine technician engraved on the left-side engine casing.



Power and Torque - With its 162hp and colossal 94lb-ft (127.5Nm) of torque, the Diavel Testastretta 11° engine is all about authentic Ducati Desmodromic performance. The revised intake and exhaust ports combined with radical adjustment of the cam timing have enabled Ducati to achieve a fantastic torque curve at low rpm, which remains strong through a wider rev-range. The increase in bottom-end torque is managed by Ducati’s Ride-by-Wire (RbW) system to considerably enhance the Diavel’s effortless ridability, while ensuring plenty of power remains on tap for high-rpm riding.

15,000 miles between major services - Constant investment in quality by design, advanced materials and engineering techniques have enabled the distance between major service intervals (valve clearance check) to be increased to a highly competitive 15,000 miles. This has been achieved with the introduction of new valve seat materials, improved combustion efficiency and temperature management designed into the Testastretta 11° engine.

Exhaust system - The massive 58mm (2.28in) section exhaust headers lead the 2-1-2 system through power-enhancing equal lengths that enable the Diavel's efficient power delivery. The engine management system dedicates a lambda probe to each header, providing precise fueling via a large airbox, while the stylish cannon-style, vertically stacked silencers carry catalytic converters to provide Euro 3 conformity and electronically controlled mid-section valve optimises exhaust pressures throughout the rev-range. The Diavel AMG features a sport exhaust system (approved for EU countries only) with AMG engraved end-caps as well as a dedicated air filter and engine software.





Ride-by-Wire - The Ride-by-Wire (RbW) system is an electronic interface between the Diavel’s twistgrip and engine, which configures an ideal power response depending on the riding mode selected. The twistgrip no longer has a throttle cable connected directly to the throttle body butterflies, but instead delivers a signal to a control unit, which in turn operates the butterfly opening electronically. The RbW system uses three different mappings to regulate the power delivery: 162hp with a sports-type delivery 162hp with a progressive delivery suitable for touring 100hp with progressive delivery for city use.

Twin lateral radiators- The technical solution employed for keeping the frontal lines of the Diavel clean was to place two highly efficient lateral radiators on both sides of the bike. These well-ducted units, located beneath the fuel tank, use aerodynamics to help draw air flow through the radiators and are assisted by high-flow electric fans when required. The design combines form and function to enhance the muscular shape of the bike.
The Diavel AMG's lateral radiator grills are made of carbon fibre with aluminium trims.



Slipper clutch - The transmission features an oil bath clutch with “slipper” function and super-light feel at the lever. Its design uses a progressive self-servo mechanism that presses the plates together when under drive from the engine, enabling the reduction of the clutch spring rates. This results in a much lighter clutch lever at the handlebar, ideal in stop-start traffic or during long journeys. When the drive force is reversed (over-run), the same mechanism reduces the pressure on the clutch plates, enabling them to provide a race-like “slipper” action, which reduces the destabilizing effect of the rear-end under aggressive down-shifting and provides a much smoother feeling when closing the throttle or down-shifting under normal riding conditions.




CHASSIS

Diavel frame assembly - The signature Ducati Trellis frame uses large diameter, light gauge tubing with two lateral die-cast aluminium sections that flow into the rear subframe. This achieves massive torsional rigidity while remaining lightweight and compact. The two sections form a rear-end structure by attaching onto either side of a complex techno-polymer component. The stunning Trellis frame is enhanced by the Diamond White colour set against the engine black.





Marzocchi forks with fork sliders in super low-friction - The Diavel uses 50mm Marzocchi front forks with fork sliders black-finished in super low-friction diamond-like carbon (DLC). These forks are fully adjustable for spring pre-load, compression and rebound damping. The forks are gripped by a slash-cut triple-clamp - cast aluminium for the lower and forged for the upper - with a rubber-mounted riser to tapered alloy bars. With a rake of 28°, trail of 130mm (5.12in) and an offset of 24mm (0.945in), the set-up provides a sure-footed and agile front-end for incredible handling and 70° of total steering lock for maximum manoeuvrability.

Sachs rear suspension - The Diavel have a Sachs rear suspension unit slung low under the chassis in a horizontal position, operated by a progressive pull-rod linkage from the swingarm. Adjustable in compression and rebound damping, the unit uses a handy control for easy spring pre-load adjustment.



Single-sided swingarm - The long, die-cast aluminium, single-sided swingarm provides great “feel” at the rear-end with a wheelbase of 1590mm (62.6in) and a stance that provides lean angles of up to 41°.



Braking system - The Diavel front brakes use Brembo’s incredibly powerful Monobloc callipers, which deliver outstanding performance actuated by new integral alloy master cylinders with unique shape reservoirs sporting milled tops. The 4-piston, twin radially-mounted callipers grip 320mm discs, while a single 265mm disc on the rear is gripped by a two piston calliper, also by Brembo. The Diavel Carbon uses specially milled aluminium disc carriers which have natural aluminium coloured recesses machined around the weight saving cut-outs in contrast to the carrier’s black finish around the centre. Typical of Ducati, these top-of-the-range components provide outstanding levels of braking and set a new benchmark in this category.



Marchesini five-spoke wheels - The Diavel AMG Special Edition features AMG design 5-spoke rims, forged and machine finished, allowing for a significant 2.5kg weight reduction. The wheel design is topped off with the AMG signature and sophisticated natural aluminium effect contrasted with the black finish.



Fuel tank and air intakes - The Diavel's 17l (4.5 gal US) fuel tank represents an integral part of the bike's overall styling. Its wide, long lines sweep down from the headlamp assembly into the seat and rear sub-frame to create a seamless profile. While the focal point of the fuel tank is the high resolution display, the sculpted side covers emphasise the solid stance of the Diavel. The fuel tank has a carbon coating and next to the fuel cap is a numbered plaque with the model name. "AMG" is laser-engraved into the wide aluminium air-duct panels either side of the fuel tank which feed air to the oversized engine airbox.



Twin-level seat - The Diavel's twin-level seat is wide, comfortable and beautifully shaped to fit the flowing lines of the machine and at 770mm (30.3in), has one of the lowest seat heights in the Ducati range.
That low seating position, in addition to a low slung chassis set-up, enables the rider to get both feet on the ground for a sure-footed and confident stance. The seat also comes with a beautifully shaped and easily removable single seat cover, which is formed in carbon fibre. The Diavel AMG seat is upholstered in black Alcantara® and customised with a metal plaque bearing the AMG logo.






EQUIPMENT

Split-level instrumentation - The upper LCD display is mounted on the bar-riser and provides main information such as speed and rpm, in addition to warning lights, time and temperature. The lower, full colour Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display is styled into the fuel tank and provides an incredibly clear account of current Riding Mode, gear selection and DTC setting as well as total mileage and trips. Used on mobile phones and computers, TFT technology is a variant of LCD and displays easy-to-read high resolution graphics. The Diavel’s TFT display goes one step further by using the sensitivity of its surrounding light to decide upon black or white background colour. When stationary, the lower display also doubles as the latest user-friendly control panel to personalise DTC and RbW settings within each Riding Mode before saving.



Ducati Traction Control (DTC) - The racing-derived Ducati Traction Control (DTC) is a highly intelligent system which acts as a filter between the rider’s right hand and the rear tyre. Within milliseconds, DTC is able to detect and control rear wheel-spin, considerably increasing the bike’s active safety and performance. The system offers eight levels of “sensitivity”, each programmed with an amount of rear wheel-spin tolerance. These levels are in line with progressive levels of riding skills classified from one to eight. Level one is programmed to offer the least amount of interaction for sport-oriented riders, while level eight uses the most amount of interaction for complete confidence. DTC levels are factory pre-set in each of the three Riding Modes, but can be individually customised and saved to suit the rider by accessing the new user-friendly set-up menu. A “default”option is available to easily return all settings to factory pre-sets.

ABS - The Diavel is equipped with the latest, most compact, Ducati Bosch-Brembo ABS system as original equipment, providing a major contribution towards performance control. Top Brembo components combined with Bosch ABS, the special Diavel chassis configuration and Pirelli’s Enhanced Patch Technology (EPT) result in a braking performance even greater than that of the awesome Ducati Superbikes.

Lighting - The Diavel uses two clear vertical strips of LED lighting to provide tail and brake light illumination as well as directional indicators. The strips follow the precise line of the under-seat panelling, providing great visibility of the rear-end while keeping the external lines of the bike clean. The front directional indicators are clear lens LED strips mounted vertically down the leading edge of the lateral radiator covers. The headlamp gives the Diavel immediate Ducati identity and is supported by an aluminium outer body. The light uses high and low beam double reflectors to illuminate the road ahead, in addition to incorporating a horizontal strip of LED positioning lights for optimum visibility.



Hands-free ignition - The Diavel’s ignition is actuated by an electronic key in the rider’s pocket, which communicates with the motorcycle when within a distance of approximately 2 metres (6.5ft). The motorcycle recognises the dedicated key code and automatically enables the bike’s systems. Pressing the key-on switch then activates all systems to “on” and the engine is ready to be started. The electronic key, which internally consists of a radio circuit, externally doubles as a mechanical flip-key, required to open the seat and fuel tank cap. When parking the motorcycle, an electronic lock can be actuated on the steering simply by applying full steering-lock and pressing the ignition-off button a second time.

Carbon fiber - Carbon fibre is used for the tank panels, single-seat cover and front mudguard to reduce weight and apply a race-like feature that runs deep in the DNA of Ducati.

Innovative number plate mount - Employing the double strip of multi-functional LEDs for the rear lighting of the Diavel required an innovative solution for the mounting of the number plate. The unique design uses mounts on the rear hub of the single-sided swingarm to extend an elegant and Ducati signature Trellis framework around the 240 section rear tyre, enabling a central mounting of the plate. The framework carries a hidden power feed to dedicated LED illumination for the number plate, eliminating any reliance on the main rear lights and creating a clean feature around the rear of the seat. This design solution represents the first of its kind and an example of the incredible attention to the Diavel’s detail.




2012 Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition
MSRP $26,495.00

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As expected, Mercedes-Benz’s performance division AMG announced it is cutting ties with Ducati following the motorcycle manufacturer’s acquisition by rival car-maker Audi.

AMG released a brief statement saying, explaining the split and saying we were never in the running to purchase Ducati: “Since the end of 2010 a successful marketing cooperation has existed between AMG and Ducati. The company takeover by a rival car manufacturer has understandably resulted in the end of any further collaboration. The takeover of Ducati was never our aim – our focus lies clearly in developing and producing premium performance cars and we will be concentrating all our energy on this.”

AMG and Ducati have shared a marketing partnership since 2010, with AMG sponsoring Ducati Corse’s MotoGP team. The two companies also collaborated on a special-edition version of the Diavel, which instantly becomes a bit of a collector’s item as the world’s only AMG-branded Audi product.

Of course, the Ducati Diavel AMG is not actually an AMG; it’s still a Ducati that happens to bear AMG badging. Still, that makes it a bit of a quirk likely never to be seen again making it an extremely rare collector's item indeed.

justthebest

After I heard the Audi news last week, I called my local Ducati people & said I wanted their Diavel AMG - going to put it in the garage (sad) so it can find a worthy home for a large gain later (happy).

Havoc

Good idea since these bikes should fetch a good return later if kept brand new.

Per the Ducati dealer's association, a large percentage of the first shipment is already spoken for and the first shipment is still a month away from arriving at dealers. The total production numbers have yet to be released, but I was recently told that production might stop early and not reach full Ducati/AMG production contract numbers. The numbered plaque on the fuel tank contains 4 numbers so hopefully they'll stop production at 1000 or well before.

I just put a deposit down to hold one as well, though it took me 3 dealers to find one that was available here in SoCal since all were spoken for at the first two dealers I contacted.

Havoc

Joyride

Put a deposit on one today. Should have it end of may. Took a while to get my hands one one. Not sure how many Canada is getting. Does anyone know?

Havoc

Sources at Ducati News Today state that production for the 2012 Diavel AMG SE has ceased and only bikes that are already pre-ordered will be delivered making this model one of the smallest runs in Ducati history as the company moves to shed its connection to AMG.