The most anticipated motorcycle of 2022 and the incredible rally prototype came together in Sardinia for a special event organized in collaboration by Ducati and Audi. The new Ducati DesertX and the Audi RS Q e-tron were the stars of the first event reserved for international media, which also included Danilo Petrucci, winner of a stage of the Dakar 2022, official Audi drivers and co-drivers Emil Bergkvist, Stéphane Peterhansel, Edouard Boulanger, Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz.
The Ducati was entrusted to Danilo Petrucci, winner of a stage of the Dakar this year and the four-wheeled vehicles to Stéphane Peterhansel and Carlos Sainz who, with the other pilots and co-pilots Emil Bergkvist, Edouard Boulanger and Lucas Cruz, constitute the official Audi team entered in Rally Raid. For the occasion, the Ducati style center has created an exclusive livery for the DesertX inspired by that of the RS Q e-tron.
Andrea Ferraresi, director of the Ducati Style Center: “When we first saw the RS Q e-tron, we couldn't help but imagine it in action among the dunes and rocks alongside the DesertX. This event gave us the opportunity to do so and that is why we decided to create an exclusive livery, inspired by the colors and graphics of the Audi prototype. Seeing cars and motorcycles together off-road is truly a great spectacle. The collaboration between the two brands and between their respective Design Centers is strong and important. »
The Ducati DesertX is the model with which the Borgo Panigale-based motorcycle manufacturer enters the mid-displacement enduro segment. The machine is designed to tackle the most demanding off-road conditions and is therefore equipped with a 21-inch front wheel, an 18-inch rear wheel, long-travel suspension and high ground clearance. ground. Powered by the Testastretta 11° engine, the DesertX guarantees comfortable, easy and safe driving on any type of route thanks to the attention paid to ergonomics, a careful aerodynamic study and cutting-edge technological equipment.
The safety and performance of the new Ducati model are also guaranteed by the electronic systems, which represent the state of the art in driver assistance. There are 6 riding modes available on the DesertX (two of which are specifically designed for off-road use: Enduro and Rally) and they work in conjunction with the 4 power modes which modify the engine's output and responsiveness.
The RS Q e-tron is Audi's desert rally prototype and embodies pure efficiency. The innovative electric drive with high-voltage batteries and energy converter pushes the limits of what is possible. The RS Q e-tron made its first competitive appearance at the 2022 edition of the Dakar Rally last January and impressed with four stage victories, while also taking its first overall victory at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in March. Audi factory driver Carlos Sainz highlighted the importance of the model for the German manufacturer's automotive program: “What Audi has achieved with this concept is technically unique and a real advantage for us drivers. The event in Sardinia was great for communicating the benefits of electric propulsion. All the media were impressed. »
Sainz, Petrucci and all the Audi riders were enthusiastically welcomed by the press during this event, which confirmed the great bond and constant collaboration between Ducati and Audi. The new DesertX will be available at all points of sale in the Ducati network from the end of May. The time has come for bikers to make their wildest travel dreams come true.
