The 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt is host to numerous world premieres this week, and one of those premieres that can’t be overlooked is the Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition. Inspired by the unmistakable design of the AMG performance brand, the Diavel AMG Special Edition is characterised by an exciting mix of exclusivity and maximum performance. The special model embodies the high standards of both brands and reflects the passion for exceptional performance as well as distinctive styling and precision. In addition to the Diavel AMG Special Edition, a CLS 63 AMG with a host of attractive components from the AMG Performance Studio is on display to highlight the visual similarities with the very special Ducati motorbike.
The Diavel AMG Special Edition is the first Ducati motorbike incorporating another company’s design elements, and as such forms part of the strategy being consistently pursued by AMG and Ducati since both brands entered into a cooperation agreement in November 2010 – namely an intensive exchange of ideas between the designers and engineers in Affalterbach and Bologna/Italy.
Based on the Ducati Diavel Carbon and its innovative design, the look of the Diavel AMG Special Edition has been further refined with attributes reminiscent of unique Mercedes-AMG high-performance cars: extraordinary forged wheels featuring a striking AMG look, aluminium air deflectors in the carbon-fibre panels on the side-mounted radiators, a newly developed sports exhaust system as well as bench seat finished in perforated Alcantara® with horizontal cross stitching are just some of the highlights of the Diavel AMG Special Edition. The frame, tank and rear bench seat cover are finished in diamond white metallic BRIGHT, the colour of the CLS 63 AMG, creating a stylish contrast to the matt, iridescent carbon fibre.
Like every Ducati, the Diavel AMG Special Edition is lavishly hand finished. A badge on the left engine block, bearing the signature of the technician who calibrated the desmodromic valve timing, pays tribute to the exclusivity afforded to each individual Diavel AMG Special Edition. Another feature of this special model is a numbered plaque on the fuel tank. The wheels, bench seat and rear silencers of the sports exhaust system also bear the AMG logo. Furthermore, each of the side air inlet ducts feature laser-engraved AMG lettering. The Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition will be available from the start of 2012.
CLS 63 AMG with components from the Performance Studio
The visual similarities between the Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition and the CLS 63 AMG being presented on the Mercedes-Benz stand at the IAA International Motor Show are immediately apparent: the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package in matt finish comprises a cross strut in the front apron, exterior mirror housings, diffuser insert in the rear apron and AMG spoiler lip, forming the perfect contrast to the diamond white metallic BRIGHT paint finish. Further visual highlights include the bichromatic AMG light-alloy forged wheels featuring a 5-twin-spoke design, painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish. The front axle is fitted with 255/35 R 19 tyres, while the rear comes with 285/30 R 19 tyres. Both the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package in matt and the AMG light-alloy wheels are exclusive components available from the AMG Performance Studio, which also provides a host of options for enhancing the look of any CLS 63 AMG.
The cooperation agreement between AMG and Ducati was signed in November 2010
Visible signs of the cooperation agreement between Mercedes-AMG and Ducati, which was signed at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November 2010, include various marketing activities as well as joint appearances at shows and customer events. In the AMG core markets of the US, China, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Australia, Great Britain and Switzerland, the announcement of the cooperation was very soon followed by the establishment of close links at market level.
AMG has been the Official Car Partner of the Ducati MotoGP team since the start of the 2011 MotoGP season. The AMG logo appears not only on the motorcycles and racing overalls of Ducati works drivers Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi, but also on the official teamwear and in the Ducati Lounge. Furthermore, as an additional outcome of the cooperation agreement, all team trucks and vehicles have come from Mercedes-Benz.
Since the spring of 2011, both Nicky Hayden and Gabriele del Torchio, President and CEO of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., have been driving a CLS 63 AMG.
