Lambrettista blog World Exclusive – a first look at the NEW G Special Frame…

So – I’m probably going to get in trouble for this – but hey-ho… I’ve got a trusted “source” at Lambretta, and they’ve shared this image of the new forthcoming Lambretta model – tentatively called the “G-Special” for now – that will be in full production early next year.
Pictured is the the final prototype frame for the G350 concept previously shown at EICMA 2019 as G325. It’s a solid steel “full-monocoque” frame/chassis – with – in the classic Lambretta tradition – fully removable steel side panels – (side panels not shown in this pic). Now, I know certain Lambrettisti that may criticize the monocoque approach – but its an approach Lambretta have used in previously – so there’s nothing inherently ‘non-Lambretta’ about a monocoque! The current V-Special has a semi-monocoque frame.

Clearly, a lot of thought and effort has gone into designing a ‘best of class’ modern scooter that still has Lambretta DNA. Lambretta are being very close-lipped about engine sizes – and after showing the G325 model at EICMA; 325cc was the expected capacity – but my source tells me the model is referred to internally as the “G350” – so I’m sure you can draw your own conclusions! A 350 from Lambretta would be a real beast – and bring Lambretta right back into dominance in the “Classic Modern Scooter” category… and who doesn’t want to see Lambretta back on top where they belong! It’s not all about speed and power though – there are also plans for a fully high-powered electric version of the G-Special in the pipeline.

Interesting times, and good to see that the Lambretta brand is still innovating well into the the 2020’s – with ambitious plans to take their scooters to the next level!

New for 2020 – New Lambretta News…

I’ve had this image leaked to me by a trusted source within Lambretta – apparently, it’s one of the first images of the rumoured new Lambretta – with a ‘ghost light’ feature – when you approach the scooter, it projects a Lambretta logo onto the ground! Pretty cool!

The rumour is of a pretty powerful power unit too – up to 325cc!! Expect a few tweaks to the look of the scooter too – an evolution of the current “V Special” design.

Expect more to be revealed at EICMA in November!

Vendetta Vids from Eicma

If you like your pictures a little more move-y, here’s a couple of short movies. I think the scoot in the Casa Performance Race Livery looks fantastic. If any of the models on the stand is going to win over a few of the sceptics, it’s that ‘un.

Originally posted on YouTube by VespaErik

Vendetta Pics from EICMA

23331244_1244790498987334_1405542684793285422_oSome pics of the New Lambretta Vendetta at EICMA (the annual trade show for motorcycles in Milan).

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Looks pretty good, even sans totty…

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Looking good in Race Livery…

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Some merch…

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LIDS
New official Lambretta helmets… colour matched to the new models. I suspect these will go down well, even with hardcore traditionalists

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A new flagship carbon fibre model…

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Like their forebears, there are now some official accessories, racks, screens and more.

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That’s it for now. I think the quality of ‘fit and finish’ on project Vendetta is becoming plain to see. More pics, with details of how you can get hold of one, and how much it’s going to cost you, coming soon.

 

 

Vespa electtrica

e-vespaI don’t often cover ‘The Wasp’ on here, but there is big news today out of Milan. At EICAMA (the Milan Motorcycle Show) today The Piaggio Group announced what the future may look like for Vespa… and it looks pretty much like the Vespas of the last 70 years (which is a good thing!). But it’s electric. Which, I also think is a good thing.

I know, I know, we all love our smelly old 2-strokes. But that ship sailed a long time ago, and electric is the future. And if you can balance style, performance, range and price you’re on to a winning formula. The Vespa Electtrica is has got the styling nailed –it’s  based on the successful current Primavera model.

To quote from the official Vespa site “Introducing the Vespa Elettrica project, the new mobility solution according to the most elegant and beloved two-wheeled brand in the world that takes a step into the future in complete consistency with the values that have accompanied its history.

The Vespa Elettrica will, first and foremost, be a true Vespa, bringing the very latest in electric technology to a vehicle that will retain all the features that have been vital to its success. The style, agility, ease of use and riding pleasure will be the same as the Vespa we have always known, with the addition of technological and innovative connectivity solutions. A perfect mix of excitement, technology and environmental friendliness that only Vespa can create. Like it has always done in its first seventy years of history.”

So not a lot of hard facts about performance, or range then. Or price – though, if on launch the government ‘plug-in’ grant offering a £1,500 rebate on the cost of electric scooters / bikes is still in effect, that will help, big time. They have got the styling sorted. If you like Vespas, of course : ).

It’s not the first time that Vespa has explored the world of electric vehicles, as The ScooterNova blog  points out. They are also where I first read about the Electric Vespa, so stay tuned to them for further updates. I’m sure ScooterLab and Scootering will be all over it too.

The official Vespa site is here.

 

Want to see the new Lambretta Vendetta?

You’ll have to wait until EICMA!

Expectant Lambretta lovers may have been excited about todays date… we were due to learn  some more details about the new Lambretta Vendetta. The bad news is that hasn’t happened… the good news is the countdown for a reveal has been reset to EICMA 2016, The world’s biggest event dedicated to two-wheeled vehicles. Where is this event held? Milan. So, rather fittingly the new Lambretta will be revealed in it’s traditional home.

Screen Shot 2016-06-15 at 07.47.43The cynical will remain cynical. But I’ve heard good things on the grapevine about the Vendetta. Very good things. Things that will make the wait worthwhile. Rumours that the Vendetta is the true successor to the proud name of Lambretta. The way I look at is that if you’re in a Michellin starred restaurant, you don’t worry if the main course is a little late. Because you know the chef wants to make it perfect for you.  After all, the last official Lambretta model launched was the DL/GP in 1968* so a few more months won’t matter.

 

*OK pedants, I know there have been SIL models and Servetas since then, but I count those more as revisions of existing models 🙂

Latest Lambretta shots from Milan show

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A couple of images from the EICMA show in Milan… these red ones look like the “LS” model previously announced (I’ve heard that maybe LS stands for “Little Sister” although this migh just be a nickname), all one colour, and also a variant with the headlight on the horncast, as in the original LC’s, LD’s and LI Series 1’s. Seems a bit odd to be incorporating a design feature Lambretta abandoned in 1959, but that’s fashion for you… and there are plenty of modern scooters with the headlight in this position. True, it removes the problem of that big ugly headlight on the LN, but I don’t think it’s wholey successful design wise. 

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The final shot, below is back to ‘big brother’ the LN… but this time finished in silver and blue. I think this colourway might be for the 150cc model only, which is rumoured to be “for Italy only”. If the LN is going to be popular in the UK, I can see us wanting 150’s, 200’s, 250’s and even 300’s over here to thank you!

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Lambretta LS news… and a new set of initials the Lambretta LJ…

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Right, hope I haven’t got my wires crossed here, as I’m getting my news, in the original Italian, hot from the 2011 EICMA show in Milan. It looks like the 50cc Lambretta LS is due for an “early 2012” launch, (alongside larger 125 and 150cc versions) These will be sold alongside the LN 125 and 150. There is also talk of another model the LJ… although this may just be one of the variants of the LS with a 2-stroke 50cc engine (J for junior – Lambretta Junior? Just a guess).

The other news is that Lambretta have an electric LN in development… no specs yet but a 7kw engine and an estimated range of 100km… interesting… I wonder if they read this post about the electric model D conversion!

As ever, stay tuned, and when I know, you’ll know! 

Info via motorino.it 

Vespa 46

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I know, I know, this is a Lambretta blog, but sometimes you just can’t ignore what the ‘old enemy’ are up to. And there’s no arguing with the success of a company that have sold over 17 million scooters in their 65 year history. And at their best, I’ll make no apologies for saying they’ve made a couple of the best looking scooters ever. Even the most ardent Lambrettista would find it hard to pick fault with the beautiful organic lines of a GS 160. Well, I think there’s another classic in the pipeline, in the shape of this lovely “Vespa 46” or (and it sounds SO much better in Italian) The Quarantasei has been unveiled at the EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan, and is due to be on sale in 125 and 150cc versions before the end of 2012.

From EICMA.it Via ScooterDiva.