Improved Technology And Greater Performance, Vespa GTS Gets A Revamp

The Vespa GTS has always evolved along the path of tradition, striking a balance between tradition and modernity in the lines of its body, made strictly of steel. The numerous updates made to the design of the new Vespa GTS are of no exception, the model standing out from previous versions whilst retaining its distinctive characteristics.

Vespa releases new additions to its flagship range, the Vespa GTS. In a launch held at the Blue Leaf Events Pavilion last Friday, motoring enthusiasts welcomed Vespa GTS SuperSport, GTS Touring, and the brand-new technological Vespa GTS SuperTech, with colour TFT display that maximises connectivity to a smartphone with the Vespa MIA system. There are three engine types;150cc I-Get and 300 Quasar and the new 300 hpe (High Performance Engine – only for the GTS SuperTech), fruit of the latest Piaggio Group engine technology research, which focuses on the creation of units that are increasingly advanced and efficient in terms of emissions and consumption. With the ability to deliver power in excess of 23 HP, this is the most powerful engine ever seen on a Vespa.

Above Vespa GTS SuperTech Nero Vulcano

"Today we also launch our new mantra, 'Live more Vespa', We hope to encapsulate this contagious and young-at-heart approach to life that is intrinsically part of our brand DNA," said Miguelito Jose, Group General Manager of MotoItalia.

Vespa GTS goes down in history as one of the world's best-loved two-wheelers, taking up the baton from the legendary “Vespone”, the name given to those Vespas with a large, strictly steel body.

The big body of the Vespa, in its modern shape with automatic transmission, was born in 2003, with the first arrival of the Vespa GT 125 and 200. The family of large Vespas then evolved with the arrival of the GTS 250 version, followed by engine capacities of up to 300 cc. The GTS then evolved to include the I-Get engine, offering 125 and 150cc engine capacity. In 2019, the entire GTS range has been further improved, with a series of updates to enhance performance, comfort and style.

The GTS embodies the typical Vespa values of style, safety, sportiness and luxurious comfort, having evolved from the legendary sports models of the past, such as the 1955 Vespa GS 150, the 1965 Vespa 180 SS and the 1985 T5 “Pole Position”.

Above Vespa GTS Touring Beige Eleganza

Above Vesoa GTS Super Sport Blue Vivace

The Vespa GTS Touring, evokes a spirit of adventure among Vespa travel lovers. Millions of Vespa motors have long since travelled the world's roads, giving entire generations the opportunity to get to know each other by broadening their horizons and encountering different cultures. Vespa GTS Touring stands out for its evocative top fairing, which offers added protection without impacting on its elegance (thanks to its reduced size), and its rear luggage rack, combined with the spacious under-saddle compartment, guarantees excellent load capacity. Available in Beige Eleganza and the new Blue Avio, Vespa GTS Touring also features a refined and elegantly upholstered saddle and a dedicated plate on the back of the shield.

Vespa GTS SuperSport is the ultimate in Vespa sportiness, boasting a dynamic acceleration and strong character that is emphasised by total black rims and two bold matte colours, namely White Innocenza, Grey Titanio and the brand-new Blue Vivace, both enhanced with new dedicated graphics. As with the GTS SuperSport also stands out for its double-upholstered saddle with clasp.

Above Vespa GTS SuperTech

The new Vespa GTS SuperTech represents the top of Vespa GTS range. GTS SuperTech is the first large-bodied Vespa to adopt a fully digital instrument cluster with 4.3" full colour TFT display. The instrument panel, as well as displaying all the classic information such as speed, total and partial mileage, ambient temperature, and fuel level, works as a display for the VESPA MIA smartphone connectivity system.

Aesthetically, Vespa GTS SuperTech is characterised by wheel rims that have a special matte black finish and a yellow horn cover. The yellow painted front shock spring serves as an original element that contrasts with the two available colours of Black Vulcano and Grey Materia. Even the seats have a “hi-tech” finish, with double upholstery and two-colour stitching with yellow detailing.

The perfect ergonomics and natural seat position have always contributed to making every Vespa comfortable, pleasant to ride and accessible to all. The new Vespa GTS further highlights the strong touring vocation that large Vespas have always embodied, offering a new saddle able to ensure greater comfort for both rider and passenger, thanks to optimised ergonomics and the use of new materials in the padding and upholstery.

The under-saddle compartment makes optimum use of the available space and can accommodate two Vespa Visor 3.0 demi-jet helmets and more. Also adding to the load capacity of the Vespa GTS is the glove box, inside which there is a USB port, useful for the charging of external devices.

Above Miguelito Jose the Group General Manager of MotoItalia

As is the case for every Vespa produced between 1946 and today, the body of the Vespa GTS is produced strictly in steel and offers unrivalled robustness, as well as unique levels of safety and dynamism. The result is a particularly brilliant ride both in city traffic as well as on country roads: an exhilarating mix of handling and reassuring stability, also thanks to the generous section tyres fitted on 12 inch diameter wheel rims. The double-disc braking system ensures prompt deceleration, even during sports use, with a reserve of modularity to put even neophytes at ease.

The Piaggio Group is the first manufacturer to introduce scooter ASR electronic traction control (available on 300 cc), once available only on the best motorcycles, which prevents wheelspin. The electronic control package is rounded-off by the ABS anti-braking system. Both are supplied as standard with the Vespa GTS family.

Above Willy Tee Ten, president of The Autohub Group of Companies

The VESPA MIA connectivity system allows you to connect your smartphone to the on-board electronic system of the Vespa GTS via Bluetooth, for exclusive functionality that is sure to make the riding experience even more satisfying and fun.

VESPA MIA and the new Vespa App are specifically designed to connect iOS or Android mobile devices to those latest Vespa models equipped with an instrument cluster and TFT display, namely Vespa Elettrica and the brand-new entry to the Vespa GTS range, the SuperTech.

Once a smartphone is connected to the Vespa GTS SuperTech - associating the phone via the dedicated Vespa App, available for download in the App Store or Google Play - the TFT display will show all notifications regarding incoming calls and messages in the centre of the screen. The system also allows for the management of calls, thanks to the practical joystick located on the left-hand control block, and the use of smartphone voice commands when making calls or reproducing music, with the activation of a playlist. The display also serves as a navigation tool, accompanying the rider on a pre-set route set up on the Vespa App, with directions and pictograms.

Furthermore, Vespa Philippines launched as well new models from the revered brand, the dynamic Vespa S Carbon and the elegant Vespa Sprint Carbon. Vespa's most obvious capability has always been that of continuously redefining its technical and stylistic characteristics, without ever betraying the distinctive spirit of an easy, unique classic vehicle. Learn more about these two at www.vespa.com.

Vespa is officially distributed by MotoItalia, an affiliate of the Autohub Group.

Tatler Asia

Improved Technology And Greater Performance, Vespa GTS Gets A Revamp