New Vespa GTS to launch at EICMA – November 2018

Rumours of a new version of the Vespa GTS have been circulating for a few months now, and Piaggio have finally released details of what fans can expect to find in the showrooms in the near future.
For 2019 the flagship Vespa range is  “further improved” with “technical and style updates” to quote the official press release, which includes  the introduction of Piaggio’s new 300 HPE engine. The new Vespa GTS range now comprises five versions: Vespa GTS, GTS Touring, GTS Super, GTS SuperSport and the brand-new, technological Vespa GTS SuperTech, with colour TFT display that maximises connectivity to the smartphone with the VESPA MIA system.

Two engine sizes are available, the already known 125cc i-get now joined by the new 300 HPE (High Performance Engine). The latest evolution of the “300” (278cc) single-cylinder, 4 stroke, 4 valve, liquid-cooled, electronically injected engine has benefited from extensive work by Piaggio technicians aimed at increasing performance while at the same time reducing fuel consumption. Maximum power now comes in at 17.5 kW (23.8 HP) at 8250 rpm, which apparently translates into a 12% increase over the previous engine, while maximum torque, equating to 26 Nm at 5250 rpm, boosting it by 18%. These improvements are paired with reduction in consumption, with mileage apparently increasing from 29.4 km/l to 31 km/l “in the WMTC cycle.”

Piaggio say that, “The adoption of a new head and a piston with redesigned architecture results in a highly efficient combustion chamber, which also benefits from valves and ducts of increased diameter inside the head. The single camshaft distribution system with roller tappets gains a camshaft with optimised timing and valve lift speeds. The introduction of a new high pressure multi-jet injector also helps to improve combustion. Lastly, a more generous intake line improves the torque delivered at low revs and ensures an exceptionally smooth ride at any speed.”
The transmission has also been redesigned: the CVT boasts a new belt, new geometry and new materials, all enveloped by a new cover coated with sound-absorbent material, to reduce mechanical noise, also aided by a new, more rigid clutch drum. The engine is controlled by a latest-generation Magneti Marelli MIUG4 ECU and compatible with the future Euro 5 standard.
Piaggio’s HPE 300 engine is also being launched in a version of their three-wheeled MP3 scooter too.

The style evolution of Vespa GTS continues, retaining of course the Vespa’s strictly steel chassis. The front headlight and rear lights now adopt full LED technology. The front section features a redesigned shield, the centre of which incorporates the horn cover, extended and enhanced. Also new is the shape of the handlebar, the chrome crest of the front mudguard, the rear view mirrors and the grilles to the sides, characterised by a brand-new honeycomb motif.
At the rear, the side panels undergo a restyling, running under the body, while versions powered by the 300 HPE engine get new engine and silencer covers.
The new Vespa GTS offers a new seat, “able to guarantee greater comfort for both rider and passenger. A result achieved thanks to optimised ergonomics and the use of new materials for the padding and upholstery.”
The large under-seat compartment is able to accommodate two Vespa Visor 3.0 demi-jet (open face) helmets “and more besides.” Inside the legshield glovebox is a USB port.

Always connected with VESPA MIA
The VESPA MIA connectivity system allows you to connect your smartphone to the Vespa GTS on-board electronics system via Bluetooth and enjoy exclusive functions for an even more satisfying and fun riding experience.
VESPA MIA and the new Vespa app are specifically designed to connect iOS or Android mobile devices to the latest Vespa models equipped with an instrument cluster with TFT display: Vespa Elettrica, Vespa Primavera S and Vespa Sprint S, and the brand-new model in the Vespa GTS range, the SuperTech version.
Once the smartphone is connected to Vespa GTS SuperTech – paired to the vehicle via the dedicated Vespa app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play – the TFT display will clearly show all notifications relating to incoming calls and messages in the centre of the screen. The system also allows for call management via the practical joystick on the right-hand control block and the use of vocal commands to make calls or listen to music, by activating a playlist. To fully enjoy all these functions, Vespa GTS SuperTech offers a special dedicated Jet helmet as an accessory, the helmet complete with built-in earphones and Bluetooth intercom.
The display also serves as a navigation system, accompanying the rider along the route, pre-set in the Vespa app, with directions and pictograms.
Available as standard with Vespa GTS SuperTech, the VESPA MIA system is available as an optional for other models in the new Vespa GTS range: as well as Infotainment and navigation functions, which make use of the instrument cluster with TFT display, the app is also an exceptional source of information when it comes to vehicle status, riding parameters and journey stats, which can be viewed on the smartphone. VESPA MIA technology serves to optimise Vespa GTS usage in both town and country, enhancing the travel experience.

 

Versions and colours

The basic version of the Vespa GTS comes in Dolomite Grey and two new colours, Relax Green and Energy Blue. This Vespa GTS Touring featured a screen and rear luggage rack, “refined and elegant seat upholstery and a dedicated plate on the back of the shield” and is available in Vignola Red and new Forest Green.
The GTS Super version has black rims with diamond finish, a double upholstered seat with edge and is available in Innocence White, Polished Black, Passion Red and the new Summer Yellow.

Vespa GTS SuperSport has full black rims and comes in two matte colours, Titanium Grey and Bright Blue, enhanced with new dedicated graphics.
The new Vespa GTS SuperTech is the first large-bodied Vespa to adopt a fully digital instrument cluster thanks to a 4.3″ full colour TFT display. The instrument cluster, as well as displaying all the classic information such as speed, total and partial mileage, ambient temperature, and fuel level, also serves as the display for the VESPA MIA smartphone connectivity system.

Aesthetically, Vespa GTS SuperTech is characterised by its rims and decorations on the typical horn cover, offered with a special matte black finish. It has a yellow painted front shock spring that contrasts against the two available colours of Volcano Black and Matter Grey. The seat features double upholstery and two-colour stitching with yellow sections.

The other scooter of interest to be shown by Piaggio at Eicma next will of course be the Vespa Elettrica, which boasts a power unit capable of delivering a claimed continuous power of 3.5 kW and peak power of 4 kW, which combined with a torque of over 200 Nm, provide performance that Piaggio say is superior to that of a traditional 50cc scooter.
No prices or dates have been set yet for the new Vespa GTS or the Piaggio MP3 300 HPE (a new, more agile and lighter version of the Piaggio MP3), but we expect these to follow soon. Production of the Vespa Elettrica has begun and pacing is expected to be in the region of top-end models, with Piaggio dealers in the UK taking orders from interested parties now. Visit https://www.piaggiogroup.co.uk for more information.
And for more from Eicma, check out the SLUK website next week as well as the ScooterNova blog and young Iggy is venturing to Milan for his first ever show there – I hope he took his comfortable walking boots!!

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