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OAK ISSUE - n° 16 - 2018 - € 10 www.theoney d.com
The Art of Sailing CRN Latona 50m
QUART ERLY - P.I. 28/10 /2018 Intern ationa l € 10, Poste Italiane S.p.a. Chf 10,50 , UK £ 7,50 Spedizione in Abbon Postale - 70% amento LO/MI
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RESISTANCE IS…FUTILE More a style icon than a mere scooter, the Vespa has gone electric. The new high tech, ultra-connected version has its eye firmly set on conquering the future. And it is makes a big impression, delivering the perfect Dolce Vita experience on shore trips
by Sergio Barlocchetti ph. by courtesy of Piaggio
T
he electric version of the world’s most iconic scooter is now in production at Piaggio’s Pontedera
facility in Italy. So it’s goodbye reciprocating engine and hello electric motor as a whole new chapter opens in a story that began in 1946 with the now-classic design by Corradino d’Ascanio. Now that gorgeous styling is flanked by the very best of modern AI technology, which makes the new electric Vespa is aware of other nearby vehicles and traffic intensity as well as delivering excellent connectivity. No more exhaust and no more keys, the new Vespa will learn to automatically recognises its owner over time and anticipates his or her on-road habits. It will also interact with other devices and other vehicles on the road, making for a genuinely personalised experience. Existing Vespisti will, of course, miss that signature soundtrack just like older riders missed the kick-start pedal, but the experience of driving the Vespa Elettrica will impress them. Particularly if they, like yours truly, test-drive it right after getting off a 1961 150cc o a 2016 300cc. The Power Unit delivers up to 4kW which combined with a very decent 200 Nm of torque, ensuring it outperforms traditional 50cc scooters, particularly in terms of acceleration and uphill power. The new scooter is nimble and stable to drive too, even at lower speeds typical of the urban areas around ports. That comes thanks to 12” wheels at the front and 11” wheels at the rear. The Vespa Elettrica also has a range of 100 km thanks to its lithium ion battery. It is charged using a cable under the saddle which plugs into a regular domestic socket. It takes at least four hours to charge
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and the battery will take 1,000 charges before it needs replacing. Despite the presence of the batter, there is still room for a Jet helmet too, however. The electric Vespa has three drive modes: Eco (max 30 km/h),
The soft lines that make
Power and Reverse. The price? 6.380 euro. Another
the Vespa world famous
leap forward that successfully retains that wonderful
have been given a
retro styling and keeps you feeling like Gregory Peck
modern twist without
and Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday even on the
betraying its gloriously
morning-evening commute! A genuine style icon and a masterpiece of contemporary design that will be right at home on your boat’s deck or in its garage.
www.elettrica.vespa.com
1950s retro styling. Its new Power Unit unleashes up to 4 kW, ensuring it outperforms traditional 50cc scooters
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