Vespa GTS 300 gets new High Performance Engine – EICMA 2018

For 2019 Piaggio’s installs the most powerful engine that has ever equipped a Vespa, into the Vespa GTS 300.

The High Performance Engine (HPE) 300 (278cc) single-cylinder, 4 stroke, 4 valve, liquid-cooled, electronically injected engine which also powers the new MP3 300, provides the GTS 300 with a 12 per cent increase in horsepower and 18 per cent more torque over the previous engine.

The engineers at Piaggio, Vespa’s parent compnay, redesigned the engine’s head and piston which increases the efficiency of the combustion chamber. A new high pressure multi-jet injector helps to improve combustion which also improves the fuel consumption.

Power 23.5bhp (17.5kW) @ 8,250rpm
Torque 19.2lb-ft (26Nm) @ 5,250 rpm

The transmission has also been redesigned and is enclosed within a new cover coated with sound absorbent material, providing a more efficient and quieter operation.

All new models get full LED lighting technology, plus detail tweaks to the bodywork and there is also a new improved ergonomic saddle, offering both the rider and passenger greater comfort. The leg-shield glove box comes with a USB port.

Available as standard on the brand-new GTS SuperTech and as an option for the other models, is the 4.3 inch full colour TFT (Thin Film Transistor) digital instrument cluster. As well as displaying all the classic information such as speed, total and partial mileage, ambient temperature, and fuel level, it also serves as the display for the smartphone connectivity through the VESPA MIA system.

Allowing the rider to manage calls, listen to music and provides turn-by-turn directions along the preset route you setup in the free Vespa app.

The GTS 300 is available in five sub-versions: the basic GTS, the GTS 300 Super, the GTS SuperSport, the GTS Touring and the new GTS SuperTech.

The basic GTS

The basic version, of the Vespa GTS comes in Dolomite Grey and two new colours, Relax Green and Energy Blue.

The GTS Touring

The GTS Touring, gets a top fairing, which improves protectiveness without impacting on elegance, thanks to its reduced dimensions, and a rear luggage rack. Available in Vignola Red and new Forest Green, and boasts a new saddle and a dedicated plate on the back of the shield.

The GTS Super

The GTS Super version is the successor to the legendary sports models such as the 1955 Vespa GS 150, the 1965 Vespa 180 SS and the 1985 T5 “Pole Position”. The Super maintains its black rims with diamond finish and gets a double upholstered seat with an edge. It is available in four colours: Innocence White, Polished Black, Passion Red and the new Summer Yellow.

The GTS SuperSport

The GTS SuperSport now comes with full black rims and two bold matte colours, Titanium Grey and Bright Blue, enhanced with new dedicated graphics. As with the Super version, GTS SuperSport also features a new saddle with double upholstery and edge.

The new Vespa GTS SuperTech

The new Vespa GTS SuperTech represents the top of the Vespa GTS range and 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, the SuperTech is characterized by its rims and decorations on the typical horn cover, offered with a special matte black finish. The yellow painted front shock spring contrasts against the two available colours of Volcano Black and Matter Grey. The new seat features a “hi-tech” finish, with double upholstery and two-tone stitching.