Ducati's 2012 superbike: the SuperQuadro or Panigale

The real name of Ducati’s 2012 superbike will be either ‘SuperQuadro’ or ‘Panigale.’ In a carbon copy of the leak of the Diavel’s name last year, the contenders for the official title have been revealed thanks to Ducati’s efforts to copyright the name and prevent other firms from using it.

Translating to ‘over-square’ – a reference to the new bike’s engine, which features an unusually large bore and short stroke – the SuperQuadro name could be used purely on the engine, just as the current 1198’s motor is referred to as the Testaretta Evoluzione. However, the trademark application is for rights to name an entire bike rather than just an engine.

Ducati has also applied for a trademark on the name ‘Panigale’ – a reference to the Borgo Panigale district of Bologna where the firm is based. Ducati already makes accessories carrying the Panigale name, but the latest trademark application includes the rights to use it as the name for an entire bike.

Of all the names rumoured before, the SuperQuadro title is closest to the ‘Superquadrata’ badge that appeared with the earliest whispers of the new bike, more than a year ago. Internally, the project is referred to as ‘XTreme’ but that name was never intended to be carried over to the production bike.