Piaggio Showcased Aprilia RSV4, Moto Guzzi Norge and MP3 Hybrid at Auto Expo 2012

Piaggio Group, Europe’s largest two wheeler manufacture unveiled its iconic brand Vespa at Auto Expo 2012.  Vespa will hit Indian roads by April 2012. However, Vespa isn’t the only brand by which Piaggio Group is known. The Italian two wheeler group is also owns some of the world’s prestigious brands like Aprilia, Gilera, Derbi, Scarabeo , Moto Guzzi and of course Piggio. Beside Vespa the company showcased Apirilia RSV4 Factory APRC, Moto Guzzi Norge 1200GT and MP3 Hybrid. Let’s have a look to Piaggio’s monster motorcycles and hybrid scooter.

Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC

RSV4 Factory APRC (APRC stands for Aprilia Performance Ride Control) is a super-sport racing motorcycle from Aprilia, which is designed and engineered to win the heart of racer and racetrack.  It has been designed and constructed with entire new and innovative approach.

It is powered by longitudinal 65° V-4 cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 999.6 cc engine which generates maximum power of 180 bhp@ 12,500 rpm and maximum torque of 115NM@10,000 rpm. The new engine sports a sophisticated electronic injection system with dual injectors per cylinder and dynamic intake system.

It uses ride by wire multi-map technology for superb acceleration.  It also got multi-adjustable perimetral aluminium alloy frame, adjustable engine position relative within frame, asymmetric alumunium swingarm and Öhlins Racing full adjustable fork and rear monoshock. Overall its narrow V-engine, its state of the art electronics, its lightness and extreme compactness make it a unique winner.

Moto Guzzi Norge 1200GT

Moto Guzzi brand’s philosophy rests on the two pillars of pure riding pleasure and maximum attention to design to ensure rider safety & comfort and Norge 1200GT is no exception from it. Norge 1200GT is a sport touring motorcycle. It comes with high level of performance, comfort and driving pleasure. Powered by V-shaped 90° transverse twin cylinder, Four Valve per cylinder 1151 cc engine, Norge 1200GT is capable of producing 88bhp of power and more than 100Nm of torque. The 2012 version of Norge 1200GT has paid extra attention to achieve a more silent and smooth running of engine whilst tweaking the electronic control, timing, cooling and exhaust system. For better throttle response and control it has got the brand new integrated ignition and injection ECU.

What’s more this motorcycle comes with the typical cardan shaft drive system (an exclusive “signature” feature on all Moto Guzzi motorcycles), and more powerful braking system with new electronic ABS. Apart from this standard features like heated grips, electrically adjustable windscreen and roomy side bag makes it prefect touring machine.

Piaggio MP3 Hybrid

MP3 Hybrid is testimony of Piggio group’s innovation, technological competence and commitment to providing futuristic eco-friendly solutions for urban mobility. MP3 hybrid is known as world’s first hybrid three wheeled scooter. A pioneering vehicle destined to revolutionize urban mobility especially in congested markets with high carbon footprints. Its liquid cooled internal combustion, 278cc engine is designed for optimum performance which generates maximum power of 25bhp @7,500 rpm and maximum torque of 27.5Nm @ 3,500 rpm. It is designed with safety and stability in mind which reflects in its enhanced road grip and superb stability.

The highly advance vehicle with its “zero emissions electric motor” minimizes the negative environmental impact. This is the first vehicle in the entire automotive sector using lithium-ion batteries. MP3 Hybrid reduces both fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by more than 50%.

– Mahavir Kothari