Ducati Presents First-Of-Its-Kind Desmodromic Engine - the Testastretta DVT

Ducati has finally taken the wraps off the Testastretta DVT and you have no idea how excited we are! Why? Well, because it is the company's first motorcycle engine with variable timing of both, the intake and exhaust camshafts. With DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing), Ducati has surmounted an engineering void that inflicts current production motorcycle engines.

The variable timing system continuously adjusts valve timing by acting independently on both, the intake and exhaust camshafts. It not only hones the engine's performance throughout the rev range, but also promises the highest power, smooth delivery, burly turning power at low rpm and reduced fuel consumption. The DVT is Euro 4 compliant too.

Delving deeper in to the details about DVT, you ought to know the term Desmodromic is derived from the Greek words 'desmos'(link) and 'dromos'(stroke, travel). It basically refers to the mechanisms designed to actuate valves both in the opening direction and in the closing direction. This valvetrain has an edge over traditional spring based timing systems. Since the actuation of the valves at low engine speed requires less force, not having to compress the valve springs, which allowed Ducati to limit the size of each cam phaser with obvious benefits in terms of lightweight construction and compactness for a perfect engine integration.

The Ducati Testastretta DVT engine develops 160bhp and a torque up to 136Nm. The DVT system reduces fuel consumption by an average of 8% as compared to the previous non-variable configuration. Furthermore, the Testastretta DVT comes equipped with a Dual Spark (DS) system that uses two spark plugs per cylinder head to provide a twin flame-front that ensures complete combustion across a very short period of time. An anti-knock sensor ensures safe engine operation even while using lower octane fuel or in situations potentially detrimental to combustion efficiency, e.g. at high altitude.

Ducati Testastretta DVT engine characteristics:

- Brand-new DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) system

- Capacity: 1,198cc

- Power: 160bhp at 9,500 rpm

- Torque: 136Nm at 7,500 rpm

- Desmodromic distribution

- Dual Spark (DS) ignition

- Anti-knock sensor

- Euro 4 compliant