Introducing the Ducati Testastretta DVT, the first engine equipped with the revolutionary Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT). It delivers an unprecedented combination of breathtaking torque, class-leading power, super-smoothness and low fuel consumption.
Suitable for any condition
When a new engine is designed, one of the most critical parameters to determine its ‘character’ is the amount of intake and exhaust valve overlap. The overlap angle is defined as the interval of nkshaft rotation, expressed 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 and is normally a single value that does not change. However, the Testastretta DVT is not limited by a fixed valve overlap angle.
Instead, the Ducati Testastretta DVT’s overlap angles can change, thanks to the introduction of the DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) system: a valve timing adjuster fitted to the end of each of the two camshafts per cylinder head. The DVT system consists of an external housing, rigidly connected to the cam belt pulley, and an internal mechanism which is connected to the camshaft and can independently rotate inside the housing. This rotation of the internal mechanism, either in advance or in delay with respect to the housing, is precisely controlled by varying the oil pressure in special chambers of the mechanism.
The oil pressure is adjusted by dedicated valves and the timing of each cam is dynamically controlled by a sensor located in the cam covers.
DVT System
From fully open to fully closed,
with an infinite variety of adjustment in-between.
It’s astonishing how so small a component such as the actuator
is able to radically transform an engine.
Position of medium overlap
The system can continuously vary the position between the camshafts and the crankshaft in the range between minimum and maximum overlap. Furthermore the system has the ability to independently vary the intake and exhaust cams, resulting in an infinite number of possible configurations. The ECU mapping has been developed to select the position that optimizes power delivery, torque, smoothness, and fuel efficiency for the rider’s every throttle command.
The enjoyment of riding, reliability and maximum containment of maintenance costs are among the main criteria that drive every engineering project in Ducati. The Testastretta DVT engine is a state-of-the-art product. Its principal maintenance intervals are set at 30,000 km/18,000 miles.
Any street you’d like, without second thoughts.
Tech Specs
The Ducati Testastretta DVT sets new standards for Ducati twincylinder power units and introduces new, revolutionary parameters to achieve the best possible balance among maximum power, smooth delivery, low-rpm torque, low fuel consumption and reduced emissions, thus standing out as the most technologically advanced Desmodromic twin-cylinder engine on the planet.
A perfect balance between power, consumptions and emissions
Despite an increase in power, however, the DVT system has a positive impact on fuel efficiency, with an average 8% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the previous non-variable configuration.
Ducati’s permanent research and development efforts applied to injection systems have repositioned the fuel injectors to target their spray directly onto the rear of the hot intake valve, instead of the colder surface of the intake port wall. The resulting enhanced fuel vapourisation improves combustion efficiencyand ensures a smoother delivery.
The Testastretta DVT is equipped with a Dual Spark (DS) system that uses two spark plugs per cylinder head, providing a twin flame-front that ensures complete combustion across a very short period of time.
Each spark plug is managed independently, to optimise efficiency throughout the rev range and in all conditions of use. 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.
In order to achieve a smoother cycle-to-cycle engine operation, Ducati has used a secondary air system similar to that developed for extremely high-performance engines. This optimizes combustion without increasing emissions, by completing the oxidisation of unburned hydrocarbonsto reduce HC and CO levels.
Ducati Testastretta DVT engine characteristics
- Brand-new DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) system
- Bore 106 mm, stroke 67.9 mm
- Capacity 1,198 cm³
- Max power 160 HP at 9,500 rpm
- Max torque 136 Nm at 7,500 rpm
- Desmodromic distribution
- Dual Spark (DS) ignition
- Anti-knock sensor
- Euro 4 compliant
New generation
By independently adjusting both the timing of the camshaft controlling intake valves and the timing of the camshaft controlling exhaust valves, the Ducati Testastretta DVT engine optimises high rpm
performance for maximum power, while at medium and low rpm, it ensures smooth operation, fluid power delivery and high torque. This means that the vehicle’s engine will adapt its characteristics according to rpm values, while always ensuring compliance with exhaust emission standards and keeping fuel consumption
low.
When a new engine is designed, one of the most critical parameters to determine its ‘character’ is the amount of intake and exhaust valve overlap. The overlap angle is defined as the interval of crankshaft
rotation, expressed 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 and is normally a single value that does not change. However, the Testastretta DVT is not limited by a fixed valve overlap angle.
Instead, the Ducati Testastretta DVT’s overlap angles can change, thanks to the introduction of the DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) system: a valve timing adjuster fitted to the end of each of the two
camshafts per cylinder head. The DVT system consists of an external housing, rigidly connected to the cam belt pulley, and an internal mechanism which is connected to the camshaft and can independently
rotate inside the housing. This rotation of the internal mechanism, either in advance or in delay with respect to the housing, is precisely controlled by varying the oil pressure in special chambers of the mechanism.
The oil pressure is adjusted by dedicated valves and the timing of each cam is dynamically controlled by a sensor located in the cam covers.
Desmo attraction
The Ducati Testastretta DVT engine uses the unique valvetrain that made the Bologna-based Italian manufacturer a world-famous name. Thanks to this unique system, the intake and exhaust valves are
closed mechanically and with the same level of accuracy as they are opened. The term Desmodromic derives from the Greek words “desmos=link” and “dromos=stroke, travel”; in mechanical engineering
terms, it refers to mechanisms designed to actuate valves both in the opening direction and in the closing direction.
This system, used in all Ducati models, has also been extremely successful in Ducati Corse World Superbike and Desmosedici MotoGP motorcycles.
In the development of the DVT, the Desmodromic valvetrain represents a major advantage over a traditional spring based timing system; the actuation of the valves at low engine speed requires less force,
not having to compress the valve springs, this 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.
Ever-present strong torque With its 106 mm bore and 67.9 mm stroke for a total capacity of 1,198 cm³, the newborn Ducati Testastretta DVT engine produces a maximum power of 160 HP at 9,500 rpm, and a torque up to 136 Nm at 7,500 rpm with a perfectly linear delivery curve. The torque is already 80 Nm at a low-range value of 3,500 rpm, and it remains consistently over 100 Nm between 5,750 and 9,500 rpm.
Despite an increase in power, however, the DVT system has a positive impact on fuel efficiency, with an average 8% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the previous non-variable configuration.
Ducati’s permanent research and development efforts applied to injection systems have repositioned the fuel injectors to target their spray directly onto the rear of the hot intake valve, instead of the colder surface of the intake port wall. The resulting enhanced fuel vapourisation improves combustion efficiency and ensures a smoother delivery.
The Testastretta DVT is equipped with a Dual Spark (DS) system that uses two spark plugs per cylinder head, providing a twin flame-front that ensures complete combustion across a very short period of time
Each spark plug is managed independently, to optimise efficiency throughout the rev range and in all conditions of use. 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.
In order to achieve a smoother cycle-to-cycle engine operation, Ducati has used a secondary air system similar to that developed for extremely high-performance engines. This optimizes combustion without
increasing emissions, by completing the oxidisation of unburned hydrocarbonsto reduce HC and CO levels.
Suitable for any condition
Thanks to all these characteristics, the Ducati Testastretta DVT sets new standards for Ducati twincylinder power units and introduces new, revolutionary parameters to achieve the best possible balance
among maximum power, smooth delivery, low-rpm torque, low fuel consumption and reduced emissions, thus standing out as the most technologically advanced Desmodromic twin-cylinder engine on the planet.
The Ducati Testastretta DVT system does not affect the valve clearance adjustment schedule, and in fact requires major services only at ownership-friendly 30,000 km intervals. This engine can be used in a wide variety of conditions and locations, while always delivering top performance and exceptional user-friendliness, safety and sheer excitement.
Please contact us at Ducati Manchester UK for more information on this exciting new Testastretta DVT engine.