ross Vespa design with Gran Turismo power and you get the exclusive Vespa GTS 250 i.e., a vehicle that brings a touch of real style to the crowded GT scooter segment. With a 250cc four-stroke, four-valve electronic injection engine in line with Euro 3 standards, an analogue-digital instrument panel and two disc brakes with ABS, this Vespa is today's version of the legendary GS, the benchmark in scooter racing and travelling.

Exactly fifty years ago, Piaggio shook up the scooter world with its Vespa GS (Gran Sport) which gave the Vespa, conceived as a no-frills vehicle for easy travel, a racy edge. The GS was the first-ever 150cc Vespa, the first reach speeds of more than 100 kph and the first Vespa model with 10-inch wheels. It was an immediate and overwhelming success. The early phase of post-war rebuilding was over and Italy had woken up to American rock n' roll legends and witnessed its first youth rebellion. The Vespa GS symbolised the dreams of a generation, becoming - then, as now - one of the world's most desirable scooters. It is in fact often considered the most beautiful scooter ever produced.

The Vespa GTS 250 i.e. renews the GS blend of speed and style to become the fastest, most powerful and most high-tech Vespa in history. With an ultra-modern, powerful 250cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, electronic injection engine, the Vespa GTS has large 12" wheels and a superb double-disc braking system with an optional ABS and brake servo. The Vespa GTS 250 i.e. is one of the very first two-wheelers - and the first in the 250cc category - to meet the strict upcoming 2006 Euro 3 standards. The steel frame is the same design as the successful Vespa Granturismo and new features on the GTS include the tail light, instrument panel, a wide, racy saddle and a vintage-Vespa-style rear rack.

In a GT scooter market where riders are spoiled for choice, the Vespa GTS is an all-in-one option. It combines the Vespa's classy, exclusive look and manoeuvrability with the performance and technological prowess of big GT scooters.
The racy new Vespa GTS 250 i.e. is the largest engine displacement in the Vespa range and the most eye-catching new GT scooter. Well up to speed when touring, it is agile and nippy in heavy town traffic.

The Vespa GTS 250 i.e. takes the Vespa Granturismo concept of power and technology several steps forward. Unmistakably a Vespa, the GTS offers extra speed and style in the GS tradition, which started in 1955 and went on through successive racing models such as the 90 SS, the Vespa Rally and the 50 Special.

A few design changes have been made to add fluidity and dynamism to the look of the GTS. No ostentatious racing elements, just a slightly raised rear half, starting from the licence plate, placed higher than on the Granturismo, and a tail light detached from the rear to visually push the entire vehicle forward, an impression emphasised by the new, thinner side panels.

From the front the Vespa GTS is instantly recognisable by its position light placed midway down the shield next to the horn, reminiscent of 1950s Vespas, which had a small lamp on the mudguard.

The Vespa GTS 250 i.e. has the Vespa Granturismo's sculpted cowls, bulbous headlamp, folding pillion foot pegs and optimal ergonomics, and a seating position that ensures perfect control of the vehicle.

Like every other Vespa, the GTS has the trademark monocoque chassis made from sheet steel for unparalleled rigidity and steering precision.

While its natural riding position and ergonomics have always made the Vespa extremely easy to handle, the seat on the Vespa GTS has a new shape and material to offer improved comfort on longer runs. The impeccably finished, double-stitched saddle is just one example of the attention to detail on every Vespa model.

The storage area under the seat holds two Vespa half-face helmets and sundry items. The glove compartment in the front shield holds sunglasses, a mobile phone and other small items the rider needs all within a hand's reach.

The instrumentation is one of the high-tech aspects of the Vespa GTS 250. Simple and stylish, the LCD display includes a fuel gauge, a rev counter bar, full and partial mileage, a digital clock with the date, an outside air temperature gauge and a coolant temperature gauge.

Analogue instruments include a speedometer and a comprehensive set of warning lights: turn signals, position and high beam lights, oil pressure, fuel reserve, the Immobilizer LED light and the injection control LED light. The ABS version comes with its own LED light.

Piaggio used the most advanced technology to design and manufacture the steel frame. The casting phase in particular was done using reverse engineering to produce the final CAD model. This avant-garde process uses FEM (Finite Elements Method) calculations to analyse rigidity and shock resistance, backed up by modal analysis of moving parts such as the suspension and engine support to optimise comfort and road grip and contain vibration.

The virtual modelling process on the Vespa GTS 250 i.e. used mathematical models right from the pre-prototype stage to analyse coolant flow in the two-element radiator. Within the Vespa GTS frame, the fuel tank is placed under the saddle. Its 9.2 litre capacity, which provides an extended riding range, does not limit the storage area or hamper access to the engine once the storage compartment has been lifted off (no tools required).

The legendary rigidity of the monocoque structure is backed up on the Vespa GTS by excellent cycle parts including 12" wheels with a 120/70 tyre in front and an extra-large 130/70 at the rear.

The front suspension is a classic single-sided trailing arm, a Vespa standard that offers various riding benefits. Because the shock is independent of the structure, it is affected less by twisting and bending, and the suspension limits front-end dive when braking. The chrome spring adds a distinctive visual touch.

Two hydraulic shock absorbers adjustable for preload are fixed to the transmission cover and the exhaust support tube at the rear.

The Vespa GTS 250 i.e. is the first Vespa in history and one of very few scooters to offer an electronic anti-lock braking system for total safety on high-traction surfaces and optimal use of the considerable braking power the twin 220-mm discs offer. The ABS model additionally shortens braking distance and enhances steering control by using a brake servo for optimal braking with minimal effort, and evenly distributes brake pressure to both ends. The result is total control of the Vespa GTS in difficult riding conditions - on bad roads and in rain or snow.

Quasar 250 i.e.: the Vespa GTS's powerful propulsion

With the Vespa GTS, Vespa engine displacement goes up to 250cc for the first time. The top displacement so far was 200cc on the PX and the Granturismo.

Size isn't the only distinctive feature of the GTS engine. This new Quasar 250 with electronic injection is a four-stroke, four-valve liquid cooled unit that meets Euro 3 standards well in advance of the 2006 deadline. The advanced closed loop injection with a Lambda sensor, three-way catalytic converter and electronic ignition system control considerably reduces both emissions and fuel consumption and provides immediate throttle response. The Vespa GTS is fun to ride, offering sparkling performance, fluid running, sharp response and cost-effective running.

The new Quasar i.e. series is the result of the Piaggio engine division's commitment to creating a top quality, environment-friendly engine.

Along with the use of electronic injection, the mechanicals have been reworked totally. Distributor phasing has been adjusted to improve injection output and the entire conrod assembly has been redesigned to make it smoother and quieter.

Piaggio's technicians worked on reducing engine noise and providing a pleasing exhaust timbre. They used detailed psychoacoustic analysis to this end, making significant mechanical changes. The thermodynamic machinery has been significantly altered: the cylinder is made of a different material and the piston has a new design. The tappet covers, automatic variator, clutch and flywheel are also new. The aspiration and exhaust system was redrawn from scratch. The result is a subdued, pleasing exhaust timbre that suits the stylishly racy Vespa GTS 250 i.e. perfectly without affecting performance.

Careful work on the electronic injection has also resulted in an engine-braking effect that conventional CVTs do not supply. As a result, the Quasar i.e. lowers demand on the brake system when the rider releases the throttle, and makes curve-taking smoother.

The Quasar 250 i.e. develops power output of 22 hp and torque of 20.2 Nm at 8,250 and 6,500 rpm respectively, taking the Vespa GTS to a top speed of 122 km/h and offering acceleration at the top of the 250cc category. This high-tech engine makes the Vespa GTS a fast, comfortable and smooth ride in town and while touring.

The scooter is available in Europe in three colours - Dragon Red and Shiny Black and a metallic-finish Excalibur Grey to enhance the racy stylishness of the Vespa GTS. No word yet when we will see the new big scoot from Vespa on our side of the Atlantic

Carsten Berg, Scooter Press

Tech Specs: Vespa GTS 250 i.e.

ENGINE
Type: Single-cylinder QUASAR, 4 stroke, 4 valve, electronic injection, catalysed
Displacement: 244 cc
Bore / Stroke: 72/60 mm
Max power: 16.2 Kw (22 hp) at 8,250 rpm
Max torque: 20.2 Nm at 6,500 rpm
Fuel: Unleaded petrol, RON min. 95
Distribution: SOHC
Injection: Port Injected Alfa/N type with lambda closed loop control and three way catalytic converter
Ignition: Electronic with inductive discharge, variable spark advance and three dimensional mapping
Cooling: Liquid
Lubrication: Wet sump, chain driven lobe pump, filtration during aspiration and discharge
Start: Electric
Gears: CVT with torque server
Clutch: Automatic centrifugal dry clutch with dampers

VEHICLE
Frame: Sheet metal with welded reinforcements
Front suspension: Single arm, dual chamber hydraulic shock absorber with coaxial spring
Rear suspension: Two dual effect shock absorbers with adjustable preload
Front brake Ø: 220 mm disc
Rear brake Ø: 220 mm disc
Front tyre: Tubeless 120/70-12"
Rear tyre: Tubeless 130/70-12"

SIZE
Length: 1,940 mm
Width: 755 mm
Wheelbase: 1,395 mm
Saddle height: 790 mm
Dry weight: 148 kg (150 kg with ABS)
Fuel tank: 9.2 litres (including 2 litres reserve)
Top speed: 122 km/h
Consumption: 29 km/litre (ECE + EUDC test cycle)
Consumption: 39 km/litre at 60 km/h
Acceleration to 30m: 4 seconds
Emissions: Euro 3