Ducati Superquadro Mono: a single-cylinder engine with a record 77 hp

While advances in electrification dominate news from the car industry, combustion engines still reign virtually unchallenged in the world of two wheels.

It is therefore no surprise that this month has seen the unveiling of another piece of mechanical artistry: Ducati’s new Superquadro Mono engine. It has just one cylinder and record-breaking power.

Small but mighty: the Ducati Superquadro Mono

In very simplified terms, it is effectively a “cut-in-half” version of the engine already familiar from the Ducati 1299 Panigale. That twin-cylinder unit originally produces 205 hp, but it has now lost one of its cylinders.

The result is a new single-cylinder engine called the Superquadro Mono, a name derived from its architecture. With a capacity of 659 cm³, it delivers a maximum of 77 hp with the standard exhaust. Fitted with the competition exhaust, output climbs to an even more impressive 85 hp.

According to Ducati - a brand owned by Audi AG since 2012 - this is the world’s most powerful combustion engine in its category. Its maximum engine speed is equally striking: it can rev to 10,250 rpm.

Desmodromic valve timing

For an engine with only one cylinder and a capacity exceeding 0.6 litres, the Superquadro Mono’s ability to rev is remarkable. Part of this capability comes from the desmodromic valve timing system, a technology commonly used in engines from the Italian marque.

Rather than relying on a spring-operated valve system, desmodromic engines use a gear-based mechanism to control valve opening and closing more precisely, for both inlet and exhaust valves.

This arrangement prevents valve float at higher engine speeds, allowing the engine to reach greater revs.

Ducati Superquadro Mono servicing and future models

In terms of maintenance and reliability, Ducati advises oil changes every 15,000 kilometres and valve clearance adjustment every 30,000 kilometres.

The Italian manufacturer has not yet revealed which model will debut this engine. However, it is likely that a new Ducati family will be introduced using this engine alone, in track-style, supermoto and naked forms.