BMW S1000RR HP4 coming in September this year

A BMW that can beat the Ducati Panigale at its 'massive power and spaceship-spec electronics' game? That would be the new BMW S1000RR HP4...

According to some reports on the web that seem fairly believable, BMW are all set to launch a new version of the S1000RR in September this year. This bike, the S1000RR HP4, will feature revised engine mapping, with power going up to 200-205bhp. With extensive use of carbonfibre, dry weight will be around 170 kilos.

The 2013 BMW S1000RR HP4 will also gets bits like an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, race-ABS with upgraded Brembo monobloc brakes, forged alloy wheels (carbonfibre wheels might also be offered), updated electronics for the bike’s multi-stage traction control system, race-spec Ohlins electronically adjustable suspension and a new digital dashboard. Some modifications to the aluminium twin-spar chassis are also expected, to deal with the increased power output.

The S1000RR HP4 is expected to be launched in the first week of September this year, with a price tag of about 20,000 euros. We’ll post more information and official pictures as soon as possible.

Valentino Rossi gets a cool new helmet for the Italian GP

We only hope the 2012 Italian MotoGP at Mugello today turns out to be as interesting as Valentino Rossi's new helmet. We're hoping for a podium finish for The Doctor!

The Doctor might only be starting from 10th position on the grid, but at least he has a cool new helmet for the 2012 Italian MotoGP. The helmet features an image of Gianni Morandi, an Italian singer, actor and television host, surrounded by a bunch of flowers. There's also the phrase 'Restiamo Uniti,' which means 'let's stick together,' on the helmet.

Morandi is, apparently, a heavyweight in the world of Italian music, having sold more than 49 million records worldwide. 'Restiamo Uniti' is a phrase he made famous when he performed at the Sanremo Music Festival in February this year. Designed by Aldo Drudi, Valentino Rossi's new brain bucket looks pretty cool. We only hope The Doctor can actually make some music during the race today. Would a podium finish be too much to hope for...?