|
Piaggio introduces Maxi Scooter Power Couple |
|
|
|
|
Posted by Staff
|
|
Thursday, 31 January 2008 |
Piaggio Introduces Maxi Scooter
Power Couple to MP3 Family:
New
2008 MP3 500 and MP3 400 Three-Wheel Scooters Continue the Personal
Transportation Revolution
NEW
YORK, January 31, 2008 – Italian manufacturer Piaggio launched a revolution in
the personal transportation category when it rewrote the rules with the
three-wheel MP3 250 scooter. For 2008, the company again raises the bar with
the introduction of two all-new MP3 models, the MP3 500 and MP3 400 maxi
scooters. Based on the trademark technical innovations that transformed the MP3
250 into an immediate best-seller, the higher-displacement MP3 500 and 400 offer
riders the added benefit of high-performance four-stroke engines, aggressive
styling and a new level of premium safety, comfort and convenience equipment.
Designed to go the distance, the newest MP3 models are uniquely suited to
enjoying the diverse terrain of America’s highways and
byways.
All MP3
models feature Piaggio’s innovative three-wheel configuration. Unique in the
category, each MP3 delivers unparalleled stability, road grip and parking ease
thanks to two independent tilting, articulated front wheels and an
electro-hydraulic suspension locking system that allows the scooter to remain
locked upright while at a standstill. At the same time, the MP3 sacrifices
nothing when it comes to riding thrills – with a 40-degree lean angle, every MP3
delivers all the maneuverability, agility and entertainment of a motorcycle. Dry
or wet conditions, smooth asphalt highway or pot-hole studded city streets, the
MP3 models are resilient travel companions.
New
for 2008 MP3 500: Racy, Revved and Ready to Go
Whether
effortlessly carving through a set of twisties or confidently navigating
pockmarked urban terrain, the 2008 MP3 500 is the personal transportation choice
most likely to get your adrenaline into high-rev mode. Distinguished by
top-of-the-line performance and aggressive styling, the MP3 500 has the
strongest appetite for aggressive riding of the three available
models.
Even
standing still, the MP3 500 looks ready for action. A double steel tube bumper
with metal mesh inserts give the vehicle a rugged look, as do a sleek black
metal handlebar and black ten-spoke wheel rims. A five-lamp headlight unit is
not only visually striking, but highly functional – the two biggest head lamps
are equipped with off-road-style shockproof covers. But, despite its
race-inspired design, the MP3 500 doesn’t skimp on rider comfort. From an
aerodynamically efficient front fairing to a wide, comfortable footrest panel,
generous seat and handy rear rack, the MP3 500 offers total riding comfort to
both the rider and passenger.
At the
heart of the MP3 500’s performance is a liquid-cooled, electronically-injected
492.7cc four-stroke powerplant with peak horsepower of 40 hp at 7,250 rpms. The
MP3 500’s torque curve is ideal for strong, smooth acceleration with plenty of
power available at low and mid-range revs. A peak 31.12 ft.-lb. of torque is
available at 5,550 rpm. With a top speed of 89 mph, this maxi scooter is ready
to go – but it will do so with minimum noise and reduced emissions, thanks to
its twin spark system.
Strong
performance potential depends on an equally strong chassis and superior brakes
and the MP3 meets all the criteria. The MP3’s innovative parallelogram front
suspension technology provides category-leading stability and impeccable road
holding, while large 240 mm triple steel disk brakes ensure fast stopping
power. The MP3 requires 20% less braking distance than best-in-class two-wheel
scooters.
The 2008
MP3 500 is available for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of
$8,899. Color choices include Passion Red and Demon Black. A full range of
travel and security accessories, including a Tom-Tom satellite navigation
system, are available.
New
for 2008 MP3 400: An All-Around Long Distance
Performer
Train
tracks, rough road, miles of slick pavement, parking on steep hill – bring it
on. The 2008 MP3 400 is the maxi scooter of choice for anyone who believes that
personal transportation should be flexible enough to handle short jaunts,
high-traffic commutes and long, leisurely rides with equal
aplomb.
Because
the MP3 400 has been designed to meet the everyday needs of owners, every
element of the scooter has been maximized for rider comfort, safety and
convenience. Storage onboard is plentiful, including an exceptionally large
underseat storage bay that can hold up to two full-face helmets. Add any number
of accessories, such as a roomy top box, tall windscreen or Tom-Tom Navigation
and the MP3 400 serves virtually any riding purpose. When you consider power,
convenience, safety, fuel economy and fun, there is no doubt the MP3 400 is the
ultimate commuting vehicle.
The MP3
400s excellent performance begins with its 398.9ccc liquid-cooled,
electronically injected four-stroke powerplant. The four-valve single puts out
a maximum of 34 hp at 7,500 rpm, with peak torque of 27.3 ft.-lb. at just 5,000
rpm. With power and torque fully available at low revs, accelerating and
passing are a breeze. While the MP3 400 is happy to chew up highway miles all
day long, there’s always quick burst of power on tap for sporty maneuvers in
challenging traffic conditions.
Thanks
to the new engine and a large 14-inch rear wheel, the MP3 400 has a 65mm longer
wheelbase than the MP3 250 for superior stability in fast curves or during hard
braking.
Like its
MP3 siblings, the MP3 400’s innovative character comes from the original Piaggio
parallelogram suspension design. The unique tilt mechanism that allows the two
front wheels to function independently is composed of four cast aluminum arms,
with four hinges fixed to the central tube. Two guide tubes are on either side
of the parallelogram, connected to the arms via suspension pins and ball
bearings.
The 2008
MP3 400 is available for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of
$8,699. Color choices include Cortina Gray and Midnight Blue.
2008
MP3 250: The Start of the Revolution
With the
world debut of the MP3 250 in 2006, Piaggio served notice that a new era in
personal transportation had just begun, thanks to the three-wheel scooter’s
uniquely functional and fun character. Designed to be the easiest to own and
ride scooter ever, the MP3 250 also adds plenty of performance, safety and
convenience features to the mix.
There’s
no mistaking the MP3 250 on the road. Aerodynamically superb thanks to
extensive wind tunnel testing and inspired by the sporty Piaggio GT line, the
MP3 is compact and sleek. While three 12-inch wheels provide the ultimate
stability and road grip, Piaggio’s original suspension design and tilt mechanism
give the MP3 250 all the agility of a traditional two-wheel
machine.
MP3 250
riders enjoy a premium level of protection and generous storage space for
category leading fun and functionality. Shock-resistant splashguards on either
side of the front shield keep road debris and the elements at bay. Underseat
storage holds up to two full-face helmets and items up to 3 feet in length. It
can also be accessed from the rear for added convenience.
Riding
the MP3 is a thrill and parking it is a cinch. Thanks to its compact size, the
MP3 250 fits into the smallest of spaces and its articulated front wheels mean
that one wheel can be placed up to 7.8 inches higher than the other. Like all
the MP3s, a quick flick of the handlebar switch activates the system the
patented electro-hydraulic front suspension locking system that keeps the MP3
250 upright without using a center stand.
The 2008
MP3 250 is available for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of
$7,199. Color choices include Passion Red and Graphite Black.
from Piaggio press
|
|
|
