L.A. Auto Show: Ducati partners with AMG

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The new Ducati Diavel made its North American debut alongside the new Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG. The Italian sportbike manufacturer and the German performance automaker inked a marketing deal Tuesday to take advantage of similar brand profiles that value speed, handling and style.

AMG is now the official partner of the Ducati MotoGP race team. The 2011 Ducati Diavel is long, low and mean looking, with a plump 240 rear tire. Powered with an 1198 cc Testrastretta L-twin that makes an unbridled 162 horsepower and 94 foot-pounds of torque and runs in three modes. It also has traction control. The $16,999 Diavel hits showrooms in February.

-- Susan Carpenter