CARMAGEDDON. The dreaded word nowadays, as Edsa seemingly slowly turns into one big parking lot by the day. Oh, how it would just be a breeze and less of a burden if one could just squeeze in and out of the grind with so much ease.
Well, Vespa Philippines recently offered a solution to cut through the metro like a hot knife through butter with not only style but swagger with the launch of its newest GTS scooter lineup.
For the uninitiated, the Vespa GTS is ostensibly the most beloved scooter in the world in the history of two-wheeled vehicles. Its illustrious bloodline can be traced back to the GS of 1955, the Vespa Rally of 1968, the 1978 PX, and the Vespa GT125 and 200, which were introduced in 2003. Also handed down through the generations was the legendary “Vespone”, the biggest steel body, which Vespa has always been known for.
Recently, this newest addition to the Vespa stable still embraces tradition while keeping abreast with the modern world since it preserves the characteristics of the large-body Vespa and adopts new essential style updates. It now has an ornament of modern design on the front fender, front and rear turning lights well distinguished by transparent parts and by a rear optical group enriched by a chrome-plated frame, which repeats the motif of the crest on the front fender.
The new series standard features a USB port, located inside the compartment of the leg shield, while the front turn lights house a series of LEDs that act as day running lights.
The instrument panel provides comprehensive information through a classic speedometer and a small multifunction digital display, which features six warning lights, fuel level, clock and two trip meters.
Perfect ergonomics and a natural seating position make every Vespa comfortable, pleasant to ride and accessible to all. The saddle of the Vespa GTS provides superior comfort, thanks to the special padding and new upholstery. The under-saddle space makes optimum use of the available room and can accommodate two Vespa demi-jet helmets and more. The drawer in the leg shield back plate contributes to the increased load capacity of the new Vespa GTS. It also provides the comfortable and firm support of the chrome-plated rear luggage rack.
At the heart of the GTS is a new line of i-GET (Italian Green Engine Technology) engines with liquid cooling, electronic fuel injection and four-valve timing. The GTS marks the first time that a “Start and Stop” system has been installed on a Vespa. Providing power is an upgraded 150 cc which churns out 12 hp at 8,250 rpm and 12 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm.
The Vespa GTS is also available with a 300 cc modern and advanced 4-valve x 4-stroke single-cylinder Quasar engine with electronic injection, which cranks out a maximum output of 22 hp at 7,750 rpm and maximum torque of 22 Nm at only 5,000 rpm.
The upgraded variants are offered in the following colors: Nero Vulcano, Rosso Matt, Monte Bianco and Verde Speranza (new) for the GTS 150 cc; and Monte Bianco, Grigio Titanio, Verde Speranza (new) and Giallo Gelosia (new) for the GTS 300 cc.
These first-class scooters cost almost as much as a subcompact sedan with the top-spec GTS priced at P345,000, which is already P20,000 cheaper than previous Vespa price tags. In view of how crazy traffic is nowadays, it might be worthy of consideration to put a premium on convenience and opt for these two-wheeled wonders instead of a car.
Image credits: Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes