Some of the current Ducati models equipped with V2 engine have their days numbered. After the launch of the spectacular Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition, it seems that the SuperSport 950 and the Streetfighter V2 will be the next to leave the Italian firm’s catalogue. In their place, according to information handled by the always well-informed Ben Purvis, a new V2 engine will arrive that is more streamlined than the iconic Superquadro engine.
The idea is to conceive an engine halfway between the latter and the 937 cc V-twin Testastretta 11° that equips, among others, the Monster, DesertX or Hypermotard 950. On the other hand, everything should come together for Ducati to develop a new sports model that adopts the philosophy of the Panigale V2 but without the radicalism of this one. A Supersport with vitamins?… Let’s see.
New Ducati V2 engine: The best of both worlds
In the latest documents published by the NHTSA The American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTA) includes some data related to the Ducati engine range for 2025. Among them, what the brand calls “Project 2102”with two VIN records associated with it: ZDMHAU8T?SB?????? and ZDMHAU8T?ST??????.
The question marks associated with each VIN are related to the digits that ultimately make up the identification number of each frame. Both the letters and the numbers refer to the type of motorcycle in question, in this case a sporty model.
From Motorcycle, “ZDM” refers to the “Ducati’s global manufacturer identification code, used on all of its modern motorcycles to confirm who the manufacturer is”. The “H” is synonymous with a sporty street bike. Currently, the only model of the brand that carries this letter in its VIN code is the Panigale V2, so there is little doubt that we are looking at the natural replacement for it.
The next character, the “A”, is generic for all the brand’s models, while the “U” is related to a model yet to be launched. Likewise, the “8” indicates its direct relationship with the type of engine that would equip a new model, not yet used in any other motorcycle of the brand. A totally new engine that could already be in the development and testing phase.
The next character in this correlation is the “T”, and it would refer to the power that could emanate from the V2 engine related to the aforementioned “Project 2102”, with a power between 111 hp and 122 hpgiving rise to different theories about the possibility of being faced with a variant of the well-known 937 cc V2 Testastretta 11° engine.
The ninth character that makes up this mysterious VIN is the “S”, referring to the model year, in this case 2025, while the “B” and “T” are closely linked to the place of manufacture, probably Bholonia and Tailandia. All of this leads us to conclude that Ducati is working on a new model with a V2 engine. It also suggests that we are looking at a bike that is previously unheard of in the brand’s offering.
A bike halfway between the Panigale V2 and the SuperSport 950, although that would be initially. That same V2 engine should be used to propel other Ducati models, as part of the natural evolution expected from the brand. Therefore, we are talking about a mechanics between 937 and 955 ccwith a power of around 120 hp? That is something that remains to be seen.
