n anticipation of sixty years in production, Piaggio USA, manufacturer of the world-famous Vespa scooter and pioneer of the two-wheel vehicle, has announced the debut of the new Vespa LX motor scooter. The "LX" (Roman numeral for 60) is the latest addition to the classic Vespa line and is designed to provide riders with the optimal performance and ease of use that have characterized Vespa as one of the world's best-known vehicles since 1946.

Shipping now and due to arrive at authorized Piaggio USA and Vespa dealers across the country by early summer, the LX has a starting MSRP of $3,199. The LX will also come will a full new line of accessories.

"The LX is a marriage of the classic and contemporary elements of Vespa's history and exemplifies our tradition of elegance and performance," said Paolo Timoni, CEO of Piaggio USA. "Sixty years of product evolution, superior functionality and a passion for design are realized in a scooter that epitomizes Vespa's iconic status and cutting-edge technology."

Set apart by its sleek, steel-body and modern design, the LX delivers both superior handling and eye-catching appeal. Vintage-style headlamps and side mirrors along with expanded storage space are among the many elements that make the LX both practical and fashionable.

The Vespa LX packs a powerful punch with its optimized engine performance and agile maneuvering capabilities. The four stroke scooter comes equipped with both a 50cc and 150 cc engine to accommodate the needs of any rider. The Vespa LX has a maximum speed of over 65 mph and like other Vespas meets California's CARB standards.

Recent sales figures released by Piaggio USA point toward the rising popularity and increased awareness of scootering as a viable and affordable means of transportation in America. In 2004, U.S. retail sales of Vespa and Piaggio scooters rose 22.6% and its market share increased substantially in key American cities.

"Scootering is that perfect blend of passion and practicality," said Timoni. "Riding a Vespa, whether for a weekend escape or to commute each day to the office, allows the rider to experience his or her environment in a whole new way. It carries a powerful sense of freedom. At the same time, more Americans are discovering that scooters are a smart way to save time and money, particularly given climbing gas prices and increasing traffic congestion. As scootering continues to grow in the U.S., we see the LX as the premiere choice for customers who want something both practical and fun."

The LX also features an array of color choices that enhance its modern design and classic overtones. These selections include: Graphite Black, Excalibur Gray, Diamond White, Aurora Blue, Daring Plum and Dragon Red. Customers can further personalize their scooters with a variety of accessories, including top case, chrome kits, and an electronic anti-theft device.

The new LX series comes with a huge list of additional key features, both practical like an optional full windshield offering excellent protection, and visually enhancing the scoot like the five-spoke, aluminum alloy wheels with 11" rims. The large, flat footrest panel and the shaped wide saddle comfortably seat both rider and - just in case - a passenger, too.

The typical bag hook on the front of the saddle helps to rest small bags so you take your scooter shopping without worrying about a things, and a central kick stand makes for easy parking. Once your on the go again, a powerful dual effect hydraulic front suspension with single shock absorber with spring preload option makes riding as comfortable as sitting in your favourite street cafe, where the 8.6 liter fuel tank will get you with no worries, even when going there does not just mean a spin around the block.

For more information on the LX and its availability, please visit www.vespausa.com.

Carsten Berg, Scooter Press

Tech Specs:

Vespa LX 50 4T - MSRP: $3,199

Engine
Tupe: Single cylinder 4 stroke Hi-Per4, two-way catalytic converter and secondary air system SAS
Bore/Stroke: 39/41.8mm (1.54"x1.63")
Displacement 49.4cc
Induction/Distribution: Lamellar SOHC, 2 valve
Cooling: Forced air
Start: Electric and kick starter
Clutch: Dry automatic centrifugal type with damping plugs
Gearbox: CVT and torque server
Load-bearing: Steel sheet metal with welded structural reinforcements
Type approval: EPA and CARB

Chassis
Front suspension: Single-arm with coil spring and dual effect single shock absorber
Rear suspension: Coil spring and dual effect single shock absorber
Front wheel: rim Die-cast aluminium alloy, 2.50x11"
Rear wheel: rim Die-cast aluminium alloy, 3.10x10"
Front tyre: Tubeless 110/70-11"
Rear tyre: Tubeless 120/70-10"
Front brake: Stainless steel ø 200 mm disc with hydraulic command
Rear brake: ø 110 mm drum
Length/Width: 1,755/740mm (69.1"/29.1")
Seat height: 775mm (30.5")
Wheelbase: 1,280mm (50.4")
Dry weight: 102 kg (225 lbs)
Fuel tank: 8.6 litres
Consumption: (at 40 km/h) 45 km/l
Top speed Legal limit
Acceleration to 30 m : sec 6.2 sec

Vespa LX 150 - MSRP: $4,199

Engine
Type: Single cylinder 4 strokes LEADER, two-way catalytic converter and secondary air system SAS
Bore/Stroke: 62.8/48.6mm (2.46" x 1.91")
Displacement: 150 cc
Max Power: 8.6 Kw (11.7 bhp) at 7,750 rpm
Max Torque: 11.6 Nm at 6,000 rpm
Induction/Distribution: SOHC, 2 valve SOHC, 2 valve
Cooling: Forced air
Starter: Electric and kick starter
Clutch: Dry automatic centrifugal type with damping plugs
Gearbox: CVT and torque server
Load-bearing: Steel sheet metal with welded structural reinforcements

Chassis
Front suspension: Single-arm with coil spring and dual effect single shock absorber
Rear suspension: Coil spring with adjustable pre-load and dual effect single shock absorber
Front wheel: rim Die-cast aluminium alloy, 2.50x11"
Rear wheel: rim Die-cast aluminium alloy, 3.10x10"
Front tyre: Tubeless 110/70-11"
Rear tyre: Tubeless 120/70-10"
Front brake: Stainless steel ø 200 mm disc with hydraulic command
Rear brake: ø 110 mm drum
Length/Width: 1,755/740mm (69.1"/29.1")
Seat height 775mm (30.5")
Wheelbase 1,280mm (50.4")
Dry weight 110 kg (243 lbs)
Fuel tank: 8.6 litres
Consumption (at 60 km/h): 37 km/l
Top speed: 95 km/h (ca. 60 mph)
Acceleration to 30 m: 4.4 sec