Vespa has created a long line of sporty scooters during its 62-year existence, and now that heritage is set to continue with the imminent release of the largest capacity Vespa in history - the GTS Super.

With a displacement of 278cc, the GTS Super is a variant of the redoubtable GTS250ie, and features a chromed rear grab rail, vented rear quarter panel, two-tone alloy rims, new instrumentation graphics, and a retro seat with white piping - an explicit reference to the past.

Of course, it still has all the traits which have made the continuing GTS250ie such a massive success, including a twist-and-go automatic transmission, twin disc brakes, preload adjustable shock absorbers, the unique metal-bodied frame and a low-emission, environmentally friendly, fuel-injected engine.

With an increased bore and stroke, the single-cylinder liquid-cooled powerplant has a higher level of torque (22.3Nm as opposed to 20.Nm) at a lower rpm than the GTS250ie, which translates to more flexibility for city commuting.

There are two seats on the GTS Super: the "Touring", fitted as standard to maximise comfort and usability, and the "Sport" version, available as an option, which is a single-seat configuration.

A large number of accessories will be available for the GTS Super, including a colour-matched top box, hot cover (a modern take on the lap rug), chrome side protector, flyscreen, high windscreen, electronic alarm, footrest mat, front mudguard protector and cover.

"From the day we introduced the Vespa GTS250ie in October 2005, it has been Australia's favourite 250cc scooter by a long shot," said Vespa Brand Manager Simon Gloyne. "The addition of the new GTS300 provides an option for owners seeking more performance and are willing to forego the GTS250's convenient carry rack. Personally, I can't wait to get behind the handlebars."

The GTS Super is the 145th model in Vespa history, and joins the 1955 Vespa GS, 1964 180 SS, 1965 90 SS, 1972 200 Rally, 1976 Vespa ET3, and the 1985 T5 "Pole Position" on the roll call of sporty Vespas.

The GTS Super is expected to go on sale in Australia this October, and will be available in two colours: Shiny Black and Montebianco White. RRP will be $8990 (plus ORC).

About Piaggio
The Piaggio company, nestled in the Tuscan countryside between Florence and Pisa, first invented scooters in 1946 when it produced the first-ever Vespa and helped liberate a war-torn Italy. Vespa remains the iconic scooter brand with its unique metal-bodied design. Today, Piaggio continues to produce scooters under the classic Vespa brand, the sporty Gilera brand and the contemporary Piaggio brand. In Australia, PS Importers is the sole importer of this iconic and popular range

About Vespa
Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in "Roman Holiday" were only the first of a long series of international actors and actresses to be seen on the world's most famous scooter. In photo shoots, films and on the set, the Vespa has been a "travel companion" for names like Raquel Welch, Ursula Andress, Geraldine Chaplin, Joan Collins, Jayne Mansfield, Virna Lisi, Milla Jovovich, Marcello Mastroianni, Charlton Heston, John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Gary Cooper, Anthony Perkins, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Nanni Moretti, Sting, Antonio Banderas, Matt Damon, Gérard Depardieu, Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Eddie Murphy and Owen Wilson. Over the last four years, Vespa production has more than doubled - from 50,000 in 2004 to 117,000 in 2007.

Link

\* Vespa - www.vespa.com.au
\* Piaggio - www.piaggio.com.au
\* Gilera - www.gilera.com.au
\* Vespa, Piaggio and Gilera dealers - www.asia.piaggio.com/au

For more information, contact:

Mark Fattore
Marketing Manager
PS Importers
20 Stubbs Street
Kensington, Vic 3031
Tel: + 61 (0)3 9381 9733
Mobile: + 61 (0)417 557 204
Fax: + 61 (0)3 9381 9798
Email: mark@psimporters.com.a