Autoblog

There's no arguing that the Caterham R500 is an amazing piece of four-wheeled machinery. In fact, it may just be the quickest way around a race track short of a Formula 1 car. We're equally as certain that the Ducati Hypermotard is an awesome motorcycle, so putting both of these performers on the same track and letting them have at it is certain to entertain. Autocar must have thought so, too, and udging by the video posted after the break, the event didn't let anybody down. As is usually the case when a bike is put up against a car, the race was close. In the longer straight sections of the track, the Duck's power-to-weight ratio allows it to pull away from the Caterham. The Caterham, with twice the number of contact patches, easily out-brakes the Ducati rider and can carry more speed throughout the turn. So, is the race that will finally put an end to the age-old question about which is faster around a given course? Probably not, but it sure is fun to watch. Want to know who won? Hit the jump, and be sure to pay attention as the Caterham goes airborne.

[Source: Autocar]

We've received official word from Ducati that it's extending the planned production run of Desmosedici RR bikes from 1,250 to 1,500 in an effort to meet demand. If you've already got an order in, you are all set, and Ducati promises that all of the 1,500 bikes will be delivered to owners by the end of 2008. So, if you don't have your order in... call now! The first 500 or so bikes will be delivered to owners of the 999R who have also placed orders for the new Desmosedici RR.

For those of you who aren't aware of the Desmosedici RR, tune into SPEED TV the next time Moto GP racing is on and keep an eye out for the bike in the lead. That will probably be the racing version of this bike ridden by Casey Stoner. The new RR is the first road-going version of a Moto GP bike that you can actually buy and register at your local DMV. Unlike most Ducati streetbikes, the RR features a V4 engine, although the angle is still set at the same 90-degrees of Ducati's traditional V-Twins. While the race bikes were forced to go down to 800cc's for competition this year, the street version still has the full liter that was originally intended for the bike. Peaking at around 200 horsepower or so with a weight of under 400 pounds, none of the 1,500 lucky owners are likely to be let down by Ducati's latest product of moto-lust.

While the Desmosedici RR leads Ducati's line of bikes this year, let's face the facts here: you and I will probably never ride one. So after the jump you'll find some news about Ducati bikes you can actually afford.

[Source: Ducati]