2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale First Look Photo Gallery

Ducati has the reigning horsepower champion, the BMW S1000RR, in its sights with the release of the 2012 1199 Panigale and its claimed 195 hp.

Ducati broke wraps on its most technologically advanced superbike today, unveiling the 2012 1199 Panigale with its monocoque chassis and L-Twin engine serving as a stressed member of the frame in Milan, Italy. Read more in our 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale First Look.

Ergos have been changed up on the 1199 Panigale thanks to a shorter reach to the handlebars which now sit up higher and out farther. It's longer swingarm has extended its wheelbase, too.

The race-derived Superquadro pistons have a distinctive double-ribbed undercrown to achieve high strength and reportedly reduce friction by using minimal piston wall surface area.

The 2012 Ducati superbike is offered in a standard 1199 Panigale version ($17,995), a 2012 Panigale S version ($22,995) or a spiffy red, white and green Tricolore rendition ($27,995).

The new bore and stroke ratio of 1.84:1 increases rpm with the ultra-short stroke of the crankshaft and increases the cylinder area to enable increased valves diameters. Inlet valves have increased from 43.5 to 46.8mm and exhaust valves from 34.5 to 38.2mm.

The Panigale's Thin Film Transistor screen automatically changes its display according to Riding Mode.

Ducati rotated the top end of the signature 90-degree L backwards around the crankshaft which gives six-degrees more clearance on the front wheel.

The 2012 1199 Panigale S Tricolore get up-spec Ohlins suspension, 3-spoke Marchesini wheehls, and a titanium racing exhaust.

This is all the competition is going to see if they don't up their games, too.

The 2012 1199 Panigale made its public debut today in Milan, Italy, ahead of the 2011 EICMA show.

Introducing the 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale.

2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale

The 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale was voted most beautiful bike at the 2011 EICMA show in Italy.