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Armani, Vespa team up on anniversary model
Giorgio Armani (right) is marking the 40th anniversary of his label by teaming up with Vespa to design the Vespa 946 Emporio Armani scooter. – Pic courtesy of Piaggio Group, June 11, 2015.As both the powered two-wheel (motorbikes and scooters) and a fashion capital of Europe, it was only a matter of time before the streets of Italy saw the two come together.
Based on the iconic original Vespa scooter, the new Vespa 946 Emporio Armani is the result of a collaboration which came about to mark the 130th anniversary of Vespa's parent, the Piaggio Group, and the 40th anniversary of the Giorgio Armani label.
The number 946 refers to 1946, the year the Vespa, the world's first moped scooter, was unveiled.
Like the clothing lines associated with the Emporio Armani label, the bike's external appearance is chic and subtle. The colour palette is a mix of grey and green earth tones and thanks to a clever galvanising treatment, the body panels take on a satin yet solid colour finish that allows the green to shine through the darker grey tones.
Other external touches that mark the bike out as a special edition include the Emporio Armani Eagle logo above the headlight and subtle Armani branding on the sides.
The scooter itself is based externally on the classic Vespa, but its internal components are bang up to date. The engine is four-stroke, not two-stroke, and has aluminium cylinder heads.
The front wheel has a double disc brake, the vehicle is smartphone compatible via Bluetooth, it's got a digital dash panel and it comes with ABS as standard.
No piece of fashionable attire would be complete without the right choice of matching accessories, and the Vespa 946 Emporio Armani will be no exception. The saddle is premium stitched brown leather and Armani has a range of compatible clothing planned, news about which will be made public at a later date.
Likewise, Piaggio has confirmed that when it officially launches, the bike will be offered with a choice of tie-ins such as panniers.
As for the scooter itself, it is being produced in “strictly limited numbers”, each of which will be individually numbered and will be going on sale later this month initially in what Piaggio describes as the world's most fashionable cities.
Prices are yet to be confirmed, but expect the Vespa 946 Emporio Armani to retail for €13,000 (RM56,000) without accessories. – AFP/RelaxNews, June 11, 2015.
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