When the Milan show opened, Aprilia announced its entry into the off-road market with an innovative engine -- a 450cc, 77 degree v-twin, with a rev ceiling of 14,000 rpm! Below is Aprilia's press release on the engine, which apparently is in the early stages of development. No chassis has been presented to accompany the powerplant at this point.
EICMA: THE 45.V2 ENGINE, SOMETHING ABSOLUTELY NEW!
A never seen choice, a great project. A totally new engine, thought and
realized in order to open a new dimension in the off-road field. Aprilia
explores the frontiers of technology with their 45.V2 engine for the world
of off-road bikes, consisting of two ultracompact V-cylinders with high
specific horsepower and record light weight. It was considered an impossible
feat to exploit the benefits of a twin-cylinder engine in off-road races:
only Aprilia could try something as brave and as innovative with such great
confidence.
The passion for off-road bikes is not new to Aprilia. Its first love was in
fact the off-road world and its first sporting successes were had in
motocross and trial. Aprilia has always distinguished itself in these
sectors through its contribution towards technological innovation.
Innovation also marks Aprilia's great return to the off-road world... not a
quiet return, but a return in grand style, with technology never before seen
in this sector: revolutionary ideas with which Aprilia once again leads the
way along the road to innovation.
The 45.V2 lays the foundations for a revolution in the sector. The project
has been entirely developed in Aprilia's R&D department: engine specialists
and frame experts worked side by side to transform a revolutionary idea into
reality. Months of extremely hard work have led in record time to a working
prototype which has already given positive preliminary test results. As is
tradition in Aprilia, the project initially set out to win races, but the
engine was also designed for all the enthusiasts in this continually growing
sector, where Aprilia intends to leave its exclusive technological mark.
THE FIRST TWIN-CYLINDER OFF-ROAD ENGINE
Innovative and even daring choices. After analysing all the alternatives, a
77° V-twin engine was chosen. This choice was dictated by the need for
maximum possible power and at the same time a wide range of use. The
sophisticated engine management electronics, developed by the Aprilia racing
department, introduces several innovations in the sector. Thanks to the
limited unitary displacement, an extremely compact and equally light drive
shaft was made possible, giving rise both to an engine which is highly
responsive to the rider's control, and to a very fast easy-to-handle bike
owing to the low gyroscopic effect. Even when decelerating or idling, the
typical inertia of large bores and strokes is minimized. For an off-road
bike, the size of the engine is as important as its performance. Aprilia's
extremely advanced know how has got round all the typical size limitations
of twin-cylinder engines and has pulled off a true miracle in compactness.
The dimensions of this twin-cylinder engine are, in fact, smaller than the
single cylinder engines currently on the market. An incredible work of
refinement led to solutions such as a single overhead driveshaft as the best
compromise between compactness, light weight and performance. Every single
engine component has been optimized not only for maximum performance, but
also for quiet running, in order to meet the sound-level limits currently
being proposed for the sector; equal attention was also paid to limiting
pollutant emissions. Weight was certainly not overlooked: the engine
actually sets a record for its type and is moreover fitted with electric
starting, the only one on the 45.V2. In order to achieve this result Aprilia
did not skimp on the use of noble metals and ultralight materials. The
central casing is made of aluminium-silicon, all the covers are made of
magnesium, the valves are titanium, and the gearing has been made much
lighter. Utmost attention was paid to fluid dynamic efficiency, thanks to
powerful calculation programs which not only optimized the thermodynamic
components, but also the intake and exhaust systems.
THE 45.V2 ENGINE IN A NUTSHELL
Displacement: 450 cc.
Type: 77° V-twin
Timing system: single overhead shaft controlled by a silent chain; four
titanium valves per cylinder
Maximum revs: 14,000 rpm
Starter: electric
Gearbox: front clutch, with 4 / 5 gears
Clutch: multiple disc wet clutch with hydraulic control (or mechanical on
request).
Powerful compact the “Terre Rare” alternator provides sufficient power for
the injection system, electric starter, battery charger and auxiliary
circuits
Lubrication: separate dual circuit. The engine oil is separate from the
drive oil. The pressurized oil circuit consists of a paper cartridge filter,
an oil tank and a check valve
Forced liquid cooling with centrifugal pump.
Aprilia is forward-looking, and the 45.V2 engine has an eye to the future,
even as regards regulations. With a smaller unitary displacement, it is
easier to meet the sound-level limits expected for the future, and with
total electronic engine management, emissions are improved, which has also
become an important factor for off-road and racing bikes.
“I'm happy and thrilled to start working on this ambitious, innovative,
high-tech, off-road project of Aprilia's; it's exciting for the technical
choices made.” Ivano Beggio
