Piaggio Group Americas announced its 2013 Vespa scooter lineup including a pair of new special edition models and the recently revised LX and S models.

Our European correspondent Tor Sagen already reviewed the 2013 Vespa LX and S scooters, reviewing the 125cc and 150cc versions. U.S. consumers will have the option of 50cc and 125cc engines for both the 2013 Vespa LX and Vespa S. Both models are powered by Piaggio‘s new three-valve engines which are designed for improved power and efficiency. Continue Reading »

The Piaggio Group announced the 2012 Vespa LX and Vespa S scooters will come equipped with the company’s next-generation three-valve engine.

The new “3V” engine, available in 125 and 150 iterations, was first introduced in the Vespa 946 concept at the 2011 EICMA show in Milan. The air-cooled fuel-injected four-stroke Single-cylinder engine was designed at Piaggio‘s Pontedera plant with a focus on improving fuel economy and reducing emissions without sacrificing performance.

A key goal for the designers was reducing friction and improving fluid dynamics. The engine uses a new crankshaft with reduced friction on the cam axle bearings and roller rockers. Piaggio says it decided on a three-valve system (two intake, one exhaust) because it improves the fuel mixture. The spark plug is now located in a new position to improve cooling in the cylinder head.

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