The Audi R8 SHDZ (desmodromic valve control) was intended to be a road-legal race car, powered by a completely newly developed high-rewing V8 engine. The performance target of 515 kW (700 PS) at 10,500 rpm required the development of an entirely new powerplant. Key design parameters were based on components from the Ducati 1196R. The planned 90-degree V8 engine featured an extremely short-stroke layout with a large cylinder bore and four desmodromie valves per cylinder, actuated by two variable,

Since Fabio Taglioni introduced desmodromic valve timing in the 1950s, it’s been a hallmark of Ducati design. No valve springs and total timing control solved a lot of issues in the early days, but why does Ducati still use the technology, and how does it work? Ducati | Sport Rider Magazine