Shark brings a big bite to the road

The Super Squalo, which means shark in Italian, uses a Ducati 999S Testastretta engine with a Sprintex supercharger that lifts power from 112kW to 152kW with 168Nm of torque.

Only 99 of the $75,000 bikes will be built by supercharger manufacturer Automotive Technology Group in Perth.

The company has launched its initial public offering to list on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) to raise up to $10 million.

ATG also manufactures and supplies Vee Two specialist and performance parts for all Ducati and certain models of Harley-Davidson and Honda motorcycles.

Executive director Steve Apedaile said they had launched to list on the ASX because they wanted to be a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative automotive technologies.

“Our aim is to be one of the world's leading suppliers of superchargers to international automobile and motorcycle manufacturers,” Apedaile said.

“Vehicle manufacturers are under increasing pressure to reduce emissions and fuel consumption from their engines. The Sprintex Supercharger can help them achieve these goals while maintaining the higher performance levels demanded by the consumer.”

ATG is offering 24 million shares at $0.25 each to raise $6 million, with the right to accept over-subscriptions of up to $4 million. The offer closes on April 28.

Apedaile said the funds would be used to expand to sales of its Sprintex Supercharger products and increase Vee Two product sales worldwide by expanding manufacturing operations, worldwide distribution network and product inventory.

“We will also be expanding sales of Vee Two products as well as developing additional products by combining Vee Two and Sprintex, such as the Vee Two Super Squalo motorcycle.”

The Super Squalo has been styled by renowned British designer John Keogh to resemble the great white shark. It features Brembo radial brakes, Ohlins suspension, and Pirelli tyres.

ATG executive director Tony Hamilton said the Sprintex supercharger allowed manufacturers to not only increase performance engines, but also improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. “Supercharging delivers performance without guilt, and the Super Squalo is leading the way,” he said.