Audi and Ducati: Pure Magnetism on Four and Two Wheels

Audi and Ducati: Pure Magnetism on Four and Two Wheels

It takes a few moments before Jaan-Mattes Reiling, Audi's Technical Project Manager, and Alessandro Valia, Ducati's Chief Test Rider, can take their eyes off the Audi e-tron GT1 prototype and the Ducati Panigale V4 R. Their looks and performance are simply captivating.

The fascinating technical details of the high-performance car and motorcycle have Reiling and Valia animated as they meet at the Audi driving experience center trackside in Neuburg, Germany. In addition to driving experiences, Audi uses the track to perform motorsport vehicles' functional tests and rollouts. As such, it is the perfect place for a conversation about the spellbinding prototype of the 2024 Audi e-tron GT1 upgrade. Even in theory, Reiling and Valia’s admiration for each other’s vehicles is apparent. The superb driving performance on four and two wheels has the automotive veterans buzzing. Later, both men got behind the wheel of the e-tron GT1 prototype for a few enjoyable miles of electric driving.

Audi and Ducati - The Progressive Brand Group

Audi and Ducati are part of the Volkswagen Group's Progressive Brand Group alongside Bentley and Lamborghini. Through this collaboration, the brands benefit from the combined strength of the Group as they travel the road to an electric future, utilizing synergies in technical development, purchasing, and sales. These synergies create sufficient freedom for the brands to focus on their brand-specific unique selling points - such as innovative design at Audi or dynamic driving pleasure on two wheels at Ducati.

Electronics Help Control Both Vehicles

In addition to sheer engine power, low weight, and lots of passion, the Panigale V4 R features a wide range of assistance systems that make it safer and easier to control, especially off the track. “We want our customers to achieve their best riding level with technologies such as Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, and Ducati Wheelie Control,” explains Valia. For controlled oversteering, the Panigale V4 R also has Ducati Slide Control (DSC), a dynamic slip control inspired by Audi’s Drift mode. The four-door Gran Turismo also offers several options for adapting its driving characteristics to the driver’s needs. The Chief Test Rider at Ducati takes full advantage of these settings that have been added since the prototype’s predecessor. Reiling: “It’s fascinating how easy it is to ride such a high-performance motorcycle and how quickly you feel comfortable and safe, thanks to its electronic set-up and various assistance systems.”

Between Race Track and Daily Use

Valia and Reiling, who were instrumental in developing the new GT1 prototype and the Ducati Panigale V4 R, respectively, agree: “By making the power delivery controllable, it’s easy to drive and ride the e-tron GT1 and the Panigale V4 R for an enjoyable experience. Despite their sporty character, the Panigale and the prototype of the new e-tron GT1 are particularly designed for everyday use,” says Audi Developer Reiling. Reiling’s Italian colleague sums things up similarly: “There is no doubt that both models have considerable power. But both can also transfer that power safely to the road. Ducati models have different ride modes. These allow the rider to customize the bike’s riding characteristics, both on the track and the road. This gives the rider a wide range of options to adapt their bike’s power to their riding skill level.”

Dynamic Design by Audi and Ducati

“The acceleration and handling in corners are simply fantastic,” says Alessandro Valia on the Audi e-tron GT quattro. Each top model, whether on two or four wheels, has earned the recognition and respect of the experts. And it is not surprising that they agree about the power and especially about the controllability of the vehicles. “I’m a big Ducati fan myself, and I love riding my Ducati 996. The Panigale tops it all off,” says Reiling. The uncompromising motorcycle and Audi’s electric Gran Turismo are both designed for a first-class track experience. Valia adds: “In addition to its beautiful design, I was hugely impressed by this fully electric sports car’s dynamics, lightness, and, of course, its power. The acceleration and handling in corners are simply fantastic.”

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