Z Germans had to respond somehow to the direct threat from Italians in the shape of Ducati Panigale 1199 S, and this is how they did it. Meet the new BMW S1000RR HP4, a 26 lbs lighter (dry), DDC (Dynamic Damping Control) equipped, pure track attack monster that will be available at your favorite Bavarian dealer. But, let’s get something straight – the BMW S1000RR is diabolically quick in stock form and it’s the lightest four cylinder hyper bike on the market (373 lbs dry). Who the he** will use more mid-range torque, semi-active suspension and crazy powerful brakes on the street, or anywhere for that matter, is beyond us.
It’s obvious that the HP4 is a technological exercise, a muscle flexing and a direct response to the lunatic Italians. Brembo radial mono blocks, Brembo 9x floating discs, improved Race ABS package, forged wheels, titanium exhaust, lighter battery, lighter sprocket carrier, Dynamic Damping Control (semi-active computer controlled suspension system) and then lowered weight combined with a 193hp engine, revised traction control system, quick-shifter, launch control and 200/55 ZR 17 rear-tire will be ridiculously hard to beat.
Is this technology contest becoming something like a 60s and 70s muscle car era???
Source: BMW
Tags: 2012, BMW, carbon fiber, HP4, new, S1000RR, Technology, track weapon
It may go just as fast, but it certainly does not look near as nice. Very eager to see what the 1199 will do in WSBK next year, the s1000RR, not so much.