Piaggio Group Americas Introduces Three New Models, Four New Prototypes to North American Market

Italian manufacturer Piaggio Group, represented in the U.S. by its subsidiary Piaggio Group Americas, gave North American dealers a clear vision of plans for global and market growth during the company’s 2012 dealer meeting in Hollywood, Florida. Led by Piaggio Group Chairman and CEO Roberto Colaninno and Piaggio Group Americas President and CEO Miguel Martinez, as well as Piaggio Group executives from engineering, design, racing and marketing divisions, the event included the unveiling of three new production models, four new prototypes and the announcement of a new international Advanced Design Center in Pasadena, California.

Prototypes Point to Model Portfolio Expansion

During the 2012 dealer meeting, Piaggio Group gave dealers their first looks at four new prototypes bound for North American showrooms. They include:

• Moto Guzzi California 1400. Headed for a global launch in December on U.S. soil, the new Moto Guzzi California 1400 has true long-and-low cruiser styling, but with all the Moto Guzzi Italian authenticity and soul. A new 1,400cc, air-cooled, four-valve engine adds power and torque, and a touring version will come standard with panniers, a rear case and lots of other extras for long-distance rides.

• Vespa 946. The 946 exemplifies the next generation of design-forward, fuel-efficient, low-emission, low-noise scooters. The single-cylinder, 125cc four-stroke, three-valve, air-cooled engine with electronic injection, represents Piaggio Group’s state-of-the-art technology in scooter engines. Strong torque and performance make the 946’s powerplant the one to beat in the 125cc and 150cc scooter categories.

• Aprilia Caponord 1200. Developed for multipurpose use, the Caponord 1200 traces its adventurous roots to the Aprilia Dorsoduro maxi-moto. Piaggio Group says the Caponord 1200 will have the most advanced electronics package in its class: Ride-By-Wire electronic throttle control, Aprilia Traction Control, ABS and Electronic Dynamic Dampening. It also adopts the design DNA of Aprilia’s RSV4 superbike.

• Aprilia SRV 850. The Aprilia SRV 850 engine is the world’s first and only 90-degree V-Twin scooter engine. With 76 hp, it makes the SRV 850 the fastest, most powerful scooter ever manufactured. The Aprilia SRV 850 is based on the GP 800, the original maxi 2-cylinder launched by Piaggio Group in 2007. Aprilia engineers embued the SRV 850 with the same racing DNA that the company has always transferred to its most sporty bikes, such as the 2010 World Superbike championship-winning Aprilia RSV4 and the muscular motard, the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200.

Three New Production Models Headed to North America

Led by the all-new Aprilia Tuono V4 naked sportbike—the most powerful bike in its category—PGA’s new additions to the 2012 model portfolio also feature the new Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 NXT and Piaggio BV 350 maxi scooter.

• Aprilia Tuono V4. Designed in the spirit of the RSV4 racebike, with a streetfighter physique that is in its element when accelerating and braking, the Aprilia Tuono V4 features the world championship-winning Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) electronics package and an Aprilia 65-dgree V4 engine. Piaggio Group says that makes it the fastest naked sportsbike and highest performing in the category. Extremely compact, as slim as a twin-cylinder and installed in an ultra-compact chassis, the V4 pumps out 167.3 hp at 11,500 rpm, and 82 ft. lbs. of torque at 9,500 rpm. Scheduled to reach dealers in March, the Aprilia Tuono V4 is available in Competition Black and Sunlit Yellow. The MSRP is $14,999 in the U.S. ($15,695 in Canada).

• Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 NXT. Melding Moto Guzzi character with state-of-the-art performance and design, the latest Stelvio adventure touring family member features both technical and functional upgrades. More streamlined styling results in more efficient aerodynamic protection: a new top fairing and a much larger, 8.5-gallon fuel tank (32 liters) keeps owners enjoying the ride longer and with a higher degree of comfort. The NXT features the hallmark Moto Guzzi engine design—the V-shaped 90-degree transverse four-valve, the highest performer among all the families of engines manufactured at Mandello del Lario. The Stelvio 1200 NXT comes standard with key adventure touring features such as switchable ABS and Automatic Traction Control, roomy aluminum side bags, hand guards, heated grips and adjustable wind screen, saddle height, handlebar, clutch levers and foot pegs. Color choices in the U.S. are Lava Black and Burnt Orange with an MSRP of $15,990. (Canadian customers can select Lava Black at an MSRP of $16,190.)

• Piaggio BV 350. Maxis are efficient and comfortable commuter scooters, and the new Piaggio BV 350 ensures riders have plenty of power to get up and go, with an all-new engine, frame and body work. The BV 350 performs like a 400cc scooter but has all the low fuel consumption and emissions levels of a smaller displacement scooter. There’s nothing cute about the BV 350: from its smoked windshield and glossy black rims to matte, brushed metal details, this ride is sporty with a decidedly tough urban edge. The Piaggio BV 350 is available in Shiny Black and Matte Silver colors and has a MSRP of $5,499. It arrives in U.S. showrooms in May.

New International Pasadena Design Center to Focus on the Future of Mobility

The opening of an all-new International Piaggio Group Advanced Design Center in Pasadena, California, was a signal of how serious the Piaggio Group is about its leadership role in defining the future of mobility. The new facility will be led by Piaggio Group designer Miguel Galluzzi, whose projects in Italy have included some of the most celebrated motorcycles of the last 20 years, including the Aprilia RSV4, winner of the 2010 Superbike World Championship and the brand-new Moto Guzzi California 1400, scheduled to debut at the end of 2012.

In addition to styling the next generation of motorcycles and scooters, the Design Center team will be studying and developing alternative transportation innovations and solutions, such as the application of new energy accumulation technology and aerospace materials, for development of innovative emission-free engines using alternative energies.

For complete information about PGA motorcycles and scooters, in the U.S. visit www.piaggiousa.com. In Canada, visit www.piaggio-canada.ca.