Audi officially announced its purchase of Italian superbike manufacturer Ducati today, though information about the $1.12 billion deal broke yesterday.
Small engine technology that lends Ducati bikes their sport-loving spirit seems to be at the key of what the automaker is excited to acquire. Speculations lit afire when news originally surfaced that the German marque might make the acquisition. Among the ideas people guessed might be at the heart of the deal, it seemed such a move might let the brand compete with BMW on all levels.
Another popular theory was that Audi might be interested in Ducati’s notable small engine experience. It seems that the latter was correct, though there’s no question Ducati will continue to produce motorcycles under its new ownership.
In the release, Audi said the motorcycle manufacturer’s progressive control systems, special combustion chamber process and understanding of lightweight construction will be a great asset to the company.
“Ducati is known worldwide as a premium brand among motorcycle manufacturers and has a long tradition of building sporty motorcycles. It has great expertise in high-performance engines and lightweight construction, and is one of the world’s most profitable motorcycle manufacturers. That makes Ducati an excellent fit for Audi,” Audi board of management chair Rupert Stadler, said.
That raises questions about what we will see in future Audi models. Perhaps this deal will eventually change the engines seen in RS models, or even the entire line. Ducati small engine technology is renowned for generating high output with minimal displacement, something that’s becomign increasingly valuable as gas becomes more expensive.
