Photo: Facebook capture
We just know that Audi buying Ducati caused a lot of stir back in the day, as many feared that the Germans will interfere with the Italian bike-making tradition and the true Borgo Panigale spirit would be compromised. Well, years after Ducati switched hands, Audi is still seeing to their cars as the Bologna manufacturer delivers motorcycles, and both companies are doing well. Having Audi branding a motorcycle is one of the things which seem to keep popping up from time to time, even though we believe this is not going to happen in real life.
It was about this time two years ago when we introduced the initial Audi motorcycle concept, an idea which looked a lot like an electric motorcycle, but which would have been powered by the Desmodromic 850cc L-twin Ducati engine, equipped with a dual clutch and loaded with lightweight carbon fiber parts. Again, this was the concept behind the initial renderings, and had nothing to do with any real plans made in Ingolstadt.
Frankly, if the future Panigale models would borrow a bit of the edgy aggressiveness of Audi’s latest headlight design cues, it could add a most welcome dose of sporty evilness to a bike that’s already looking gorgeous. Based on the Panigale S or R platform, such an Audi-badged machine would definitely be a blast on the track, even though it would also be nothing more than another method for reaching for the pockets of the 4-circle fans.
However, with Mercedes clearly stating they are not thinking of branding their own motorcycle despite having acquired a part of MV Agusta, it’s hard to think that Audi would enter the motorcycle market this way. We believe that designers should keep drawing such bikes, as it looks we can never have enough.
A new concept, largely based on the new Panigale
The Supersport R10, as it was named, does indeed look like the offspring of a Panigale and an Aprilia RSV4, and the four circle badge cannot shake off this feeling. One of the things we really like about this concept is the perfect integration of Audi’s headlight shape with the overall attire of the Panigale front cowl.Frankly, if the future Panigale models would borrow a bit of the edgy aggressiveness of Audi’s latest headlight design cues, it could add a most welcome dose of sporty evilness to a bike that’s already looking gorgeous. Based on the Panigale S or R platform, such an Audi-badged machine would definitely be a blast on the track, even though it would also be nothing more than another method for reaching for the pockets of the 4-circle fans.
However, with Mercedes clearly stating they are not thinking of branding their own motorcycle despite having acquired a part of MV Agusta, it’s hard to think that Audi would enter the motorcycle market this way. We believe that designers should keep drawing such bikes, as it looks we can never have enough.
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